Whangaparaoa Road, Red Beach – Dynamic Lane Improvements Whangaparaoa Road, Red Beach – Dynamic Lane Improvements

Proposal status: Feedback closed 4 April 2022

Reference number: NOP2021-002

What we proposed

In March this year, we asked for feedback on a proposed raised pedestrian crossing and widening of the footpath on the southern side of Whangaparaoa Road between the Red Beach Road intersection and the proposed crossing. The proposed crossing was in response to public concern regarding safely crossing Whangaparaoa Road. These concerns were raised when the dynamic lanes were installed. We chose to give commuters time to get familiar with the dynamic lanes, before proceeding with the current proposal for pedestrian facilities.

In partnership with Waka Kotahi, NZ Police, Ministry of Transport and others, we are working towards reducing road deaths and serious injuries on our roads to zero by 2050. To achieve that, we are designing and building a transport system that prioritises safety above all else.

The proposed site was selected as its geography and location would allow for a footpath and safe crossing to be designed and built within available budget. A raised and signalled crossing was selected as the best option available to keep pedestrians safe.

Community feedback

During the consultation period, the main feedback received by the community was:

Concern that the raised signalised pedestrian crossing will increase traffic congestion along Whangaparaoa Road.
Suggestion that people can cross at the nearby set of lights instead of installing a new pedestrian crossing.
Concern that there are not enough pedestrians to warrant the signalised crossing.
Concern that a raised crossing on Whangaparaoa Road will cause an accident.
Opposition to the pedestrian crossing being raised.

How we’re moving forward

Consultation feedback along with other important considerations such as pedestrian safety, Vision Zero commitments and timeframes required for improvement were carefully considered.

After taking all factors into account, we have decided to delay progressing this project until funding can be secured to undertake it in conjunction with broader pedestrian improvements to Whangaparaoa Road.

Community feedback

The following is a summary of feedback and our responses to specific questions.

Raised Crossing

Concern a raised crossing on Whangaparaoa Road will cause an accident.
Flat signalised crossings occasionally have issues with rear end crashes and red-light running crashes. The harm that these types of crashes can cause is determined by the speed the drivers are travelling at. Therefore, a raised crossing is preferred because it encourages drivers to slow down regardless of signal, further improving safety for both pedestrians and all other road users.
Suggestion to have a flat signalised pedestrian crossing instead of a raised one.
We explored the possibility of a level pedestrian crossing, however, following advice from safety experts, we concluded that a level crossing would not satisfactorily fulfil pedestrian safety best practice in line with our commitment to, in conjunction with agencies across New Zealand, reduce road deaths to zero by 2050.
Suggestion to install raised pedestrian crossings every 250m in Whangaparaoa Road.
This request is outside the scope of the proposal and would significantly increase traffic congestion along Whangaparaoa Road while bringing minimal benefit to pedestrians on this road.

Speed

Request to raise the speed limit back to 60km/hr at this location.
Based on available evidence and taking safety into consideration, we believe that the current speed limit of 50km/hr is appropriate for dynamic lane operation. Even when it does not cause a crash, speed is the most significant factor in whether a person dies, is injured or walks away from a road accident. In partnership with Waka Kotahi, NZ Police, Ministry of Transport and others Auckland Transport is working towards reducing road deaths and serious injuries on our roads to zero by 2050. To achieve that, we are building a transport system that prioritises safety above all else. And we are asking Aucklanders to prioritise the safety of you and your whanau on the roads, over factors such as commute times.
Suggestion to install a speed camera to reduce driver speeds.
The decision to install a speed camera is under the jurisdiction of NZ Police. You can get in touch with the Police by ringing 105, the non-emergency number.

Alternative Crossing

Request to install an overhead pedestrian walkway or build an underpass (tunnel) beneath Whangaparaoa Road.
An underpass (tunnel) or overhead pedestrian walkway has not been considered because the cost would fall outside the available budget and a safe pedestrian crossing would provide the safety improvements required at this location.

Public Transport

Request to resolve inconsistent public transport issues such as busses not picking people up.
This request is outside the scope of this proposal. However, we will share this feedback with our AT Metro team.
Request for better bus routes and timetables.
This request is outside the scope of this proposal. However, we will share this feedback with our AT Metro team.
Request for more ferries going to CBD
This request is outside the scope of this proposal. However, we will share this feedback with our AT Metro team.
Suggestion to change the bus routes and have commuters picked up/dropped off on Red Beach Road.
This request is outside the scope of this proposal. However, we will share this feedback with our AT Metro team.
Suggestion to relocate the side road bus stops to be nearer to the traffic lights.
The current bus stop location lies within the recommended passenger catchment area. Catchment areas estimate the potential number of passengers that may use the stop while not being too close or too far from another bus stop. We will share this suggestion with our AT Metro team.

Cycle Lanes and Footpaths

Request for a cycle lane/footpath extension to go the length of Whangaparaoa Road.
This proposal aimed to provide a safe pedestrian crossing at the proposed location and to widen the footpath on the southern side of Whangaparaoa Road between the Red Beach Road intersection to improve pedestrian safety. The extension of a cycle lane/footpath is outside of the scope of this project.
Request to widen the road instead of the footpath.
We proposed these changes to provide a safe pedestrian crossing at the proposed location and to widen the footpath on the southern side of Whangaparaoa Road to improve pedestrian safety. Widening the road does not contribute to either of those objectives and is therefore not part of any plan.
Request to widening the footpath on the southern side of the road and connect it to the existing traffic lights.
As this project has been deferred, no footpath improvements are planned until funding can be secured for broader pedestrian improvements to Whangaparaoa Road.
Request to extend footpaths further west on Whangaparaoa Road to link with Titan Place.
This site was selected as its geography and location would allow for a safe crossing and footpath improvements to be designed and built within available budget. The extension of the footpath further west on Whangaparaoa Road up to Titan Place is outside of the scope of this project.

Miscellaneous

Request that the motorway from HBC to Albany needs to be 3 lanes.
Request that this part of road is converted to four-lane to mirror the stretch between Red Beach and Vipond Roads.
Suggestion to replace traffic lights on Whangaparaoa Road with mini roundabouts, to improve traffic flow.
Suggestion that the entry points into Northhaven be marked with keep clear signs to help cars exit the facility back onto the road.
Request for traffic calming measures at the Manly shop’s roundabout.
Suggestion to upgrade the Red Beach Road Lights to be more pedestrian friendly.
Request to widen Whangaparaoa Road so there are 4 lanes going in both directions with a centre lane for turning traffic.
Request to install no engine braking signs along Whangaparaoa Road.
Request to provide a fence barrier for the new footpath between 141 and 147A Whangaparaoa Road to prevent people slipping/falling.
Request for merging lane on top of the hill to be removed.
Request to upgrade the crossing around the Peninsula Rest home and Whangaparaoa Road.
Suggestion to add a pedestrian crossing at the entrance to the hospice (Western end of the road)
Concern with the lack of pedestrian facilities to cross from the Silverdale side of Whangaparaoa Road to Millwater Parkway.
Request for a pedestrian crossing further down on Waiora road.
Request to install a pedestrian crossing on Brightside Road for parents walking their children to school
Request to install a pedestrian crossing on Whangaparaoa road by New World.
Request to address pedestrian safety at the top of Brightside Road for school children going to Stanmore Bay Primary
Request to build a pedestrian crossing outside New World Stanmore Bay.
Request to install a signalised pedestrian crossing on Stanmore Bay Road opposite the leisure centre
Request for a pedestrian crossing at bus Stop ID: 4675, opposite Panorama Court

Thank you for raising these wider requests with Auckland Transport. These requests are currently outside of the scope of this project, but they have been raised with the appropriate team for investigation and consideration.

We're proposing improvements in your area

Listening to what you have to say is important to us. Your local knowledge can help us make better decisions, so that together we can achieve the best outcomes for your neighbourhood.

We are proposing to:

Install a raised crossing with traffic signals outside 139 Whangaparaoa Road. The crossing will be a wide, flat speed bump level with the footpath.
Install new tactile pavers at the sides of the road near the proposed crossing. These are yellow guidance markers that help guide the visually impaired use the crossing.
Widen the footpath on the southern side of Whangaparaoa Road between the Red Beach Road intersection and 136 Whangaparaoa Road.
Install a retaining wall on the southern side of Whangaparaoa Road between 141 and 147A to enable the construction of the new footpath.
Install a new bus stop and shelter outside 135 Whangaparaoa Road.
Extend the berm at the recessed bus stop outside 161 Whangaparaoa Road.

Download the proposal drawing for Whangaparaoa Road, Red Beach (PDF 2.8MB).

These proposed changes will improve accessibility and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists on Whangaparaoa Road. The raised signalised crossing aims to improve safety for people crossing Whangaparaoa Road and improve their access to the nearby facilities and bus stops. The raised crossing will also promote a slower speed environment for drivers.

Give your feedback for Whangaparaoa Road

If you would like to post in your feedback, download and print our feedback form template, fill in your details and send it freepost using the address details on the form.

What happens next

We’ll listen to all the feedback we receive, and then decide the best way to move forward.
We’ll post the outcome of this proposal and a summary of community feedback on this webpage.
We can email you the proposal outcome as soon as it’s ready – just select that option when you fill in the survey.

More information

This proposal is supported with funding from the Auckland regional fuel tax.

Red Beach: Safe with us

Auckland Transport cares for your safety. We want to make our roads safe for everyone, people walking and cycling, especially for our kids and senior citizens and people driving. Projects like this one around Whangaparaoa Road are another step towards our goal of achieving no deaths or serious injuries on our roads. We are guided by the Vision Zero approach to transport safety, which prioritises human safety over other measures (like minor time saving).