Carlton St, Frederick St and Lilac Grove, Hillsborough – Intersection Improvements Carlton St, Frederick St and Lilac Grove, Hillsborough – Intersection Improvements

Project status: Detailed design

Proposal reference: MIP2021-007

Proposal update

Updated detailed design:

After a further review of the design, we have made the following changes to the original proposal outcome.

Extend the broken yellow lines on Frederick Street
Relocate the “Stop” sign so it is more visible to approaching motorists
Install a pedestrian warning sign to alert motorists of the pedestrian crossing in the area

Download the updated design plan for Carlton Street, Frederick Street and Lilac Grove (PDF 1.3MB)

What happens next:

AT anticipates the changes will be constructed in Financial Year 2023-2024, between March 2024 and April 2024. AT will be in touch with local residents and business prior to any construction taking place.

Contact us:

For any further information or queries please contact the AT project team on projects@at.govt.nz

Proposal outcome

In September 2021, we proposed changes to improve the intersection of Carlton Street, Frederick Street and Lilac Grove in Hillsborough. After reviewing all the feedback, we are proceeding with the following changes. These works will help support our Vision Zero goal.

Install a new pedestrian refuge island on Frederick Street to assist pedestrians to cross the road safely.
Apply a high friction surface to the road leading to the pedestrian refuge island crossing from Carlton Street.
Install red paving with “Slow” road marking on Carlton Street to discourage high vehicle speeds.
Reduce the extent of broken yellow lines.
Relocate the “Stop” sign so it is more visible to approaching motorists.
Install a pedestrian warning sign to alert motorists of the pedestrian crossing in the area.

Community feedback

Thank you for helping us make better decisions for your neighbourhood, informed by your local knowledge. The following is a summary of the additional comments and queries we received, and our responses to them.

Stop sign

Request that the installation of the stop sign and stop white road markings should not proceed, as they make it confusing for drivers approaching the intersection from Frederick Street West and those waiting to exit Lilac Grove. Neither may know who should give way to who. Currently the absence of a stop sign on Lilac Grove enables exiting vehicles to give way to vehicles approaching from Frederick Street West. Further, due to the topography of the intersection, the addition of the proposed stop sign and associated road marking will in fact make vehicle traverse of the intersection to / from Lilac Grove, more dangerous.
We can confirm that the stop sign at the top of Lilac Grove has been removed from the design as a result of community feedback.
Request for more stop restrictions to be installed on Goodall Street and Belfast Street.
This request is outside of the scope of this project.
Concern that the placement and size of the existing stop sign on Frederick Street eastbound approaching the intersection of Frederick, Carlton and Lilac Grove makes the stop sign very hard to see, especially in months where the sun is right in the drivers face in the mornings. Vegetation is also blocking the sign. Residents request that the existing stop sign is replaced with a bigger sign and moved to a more visible location closer to Frederick Street.
We will move the existing sign slightly to improve its visibility to drivers when approaching the intersection as requested. We will also trim surrounding vegetation to improve visibility and ensure it does not block the sign.

Parking

Concern that this proposal will reduce parking availability for residents.
We understand removing parking can be inconvenient, so we have minimised the removal of parking as much as possible. However, some parking removal is required to ensure that clear visibility of pedestrians is maintained for drivers at this location.
Suggestion that white road markings that mark the beginning of on-street parking on Frederick Street should be installed just past the driveway entrance to 91 Frederick Street.
Broken yellow lines (no stopping at all times) are painted to increase visibility where necessary in order to improve the safety of pedestrians and drivers. Where possible Auckland Transport will minimise the removal of parking as much as possible. As part of this project, the broken yellow lines will be extended just beyond the driveway of 91 Fredrick Street.
Request for the broken yellow lines to be extended further west along Frederick Street. Parking congestion on the street often leads to traffic becoming backed up as it is hard to give way to oncoming traffic because of cars park on either side of the road.
Broken yellow lines are painted to increase visibility where necessary in order to improve the safety of pedestrians and drivers. Where possible Auckland Transport will minimise the removal of parking as much as possible; in this location, additional broken yellow lines are not considered necessary.
Request for broken yellow lines to be painted on the south side of Frederick Street (for 50m), as cars currently parking here reduce resident’s visibility of oncoming traffic when exiting their driveways.
This project aims to balance the importance of clear visibility for drivers, with the importance of parking for communities, and we aim to minimise the removal of parking as much as possible unless there is a pressing safety need to do so.

Installing broken yellow lines on the south side of Frederick Street is not considered to be warranted at this point. However, we note that parking within one metre of a driveway is illegal and this is clearly outlined in the NZ Road Code. If a vehicle is parked within one metre of your driveway and blocking your access, please call parking enforcement on 09 355 3553 with vehicle details and enforcement will be organised.

Further pedestrian safety improvements needed

Concern that this proposal does not improve pedestrian safety and that AT needs to install a pedestrian crossing here.
Based on the Detailed Design review, a pedestrian refuge crossing is not feasible on Frederick Street due to the narrow road width.
Concern that Auckland Transport needs to address the safety issue at the intersection of Frederick Street and Carlton Street, and that this proposal will not increase safety.
We are installing signage and improving the road-marking at the Frederick Street and Carlton Street intersection to improve the visibility of markings and clarify the intersection. Additionally, we are installing high friction surfacing in the entrance to Fredrick Street which will improve traction for drivers turning from Carlton Street and reduce the risk of accidents.
Concern that vehicles waiting to turn right out of Frederick Street across Carlton Street to continue along Frederick have difficulty seeing up Carlton Street to view the on-coming traffic. This is because vehicles travel at a high speed down Carlton Street.
Where Frederick Street joins Carlton Street there is a “Stop” sign. Visibility for drivers exiting Frederick Street is slightly restricted by the crest further up on Carlton Road, however drivers are able to see the oncoming traffic and choose a safe gap before making the turn.

In addition, we are proposing to improve signage and road markings to improve clarity of the right of way at the intersection.
Request that either a raised table for the intersection is installed or a mini roundabout similar to the design to the one at the Frederick Street-Queenstown Road intersection to improve driver and road safety at the intersection.
A raised table or roundabout is not feasible at this location due to the gradient of the road and the space constraints. They would also require substantial earthworks and cost which cannot be justified at this stage.

Disruption for affected residents

Concern that this proposal will cause months of chaos for affected residents.
This proposal involves installing minor safety improvements to the intersection and is not expected to be disruptive to residents for a long period of time.

If residents experience any disruption during the construction of this project they can contact the Auckland Transport’s project team on projects@at.govt.nz and inform AT of any concerns or questions that may arise during construction.
Concern that residents will not be able to use the footpath at the corner of Carlton Street and Frederick Street whilst this project is constructed, which will be disruptive for residents.
The Temporary Traffic Management Plan for the construction works will provide a safe, alternative route for pedestrians if the footpath needs to be closed.
Concern that the construction work will happen overnight and be noisy and disruptive for affected residents. Residents request that the construction work is undertaken during the daytime to minimise the disruption for surrounding residents.
This is something that will be determined by the contractors, and not Auckland Transport. Contractors will send notices to residents or businesses affected by works 48 hours before it starts.

If residents, or businesses, experience any disruption during the construction of this project they can contact the Auckland Transport’s project team on projects@at.govt.nz and inform AT of any concerns or questions that may arise during construction.

Footpath

Carlton Street and Frederick Street East are scheduled to be resurfaced and the footpaths of both roads upgraded in the next 12 to 18 months as part of the AT Road Corridor Maintenance and Renewal Programme (RCMR). In light of this, it is recommended that the proposed safety improvements to the Lilac-Frederick-Carlton Intersection be done at that time and within that budget. This is in line with AT’s approach to minimise disruption to road users and residents, maximise value for project spend and ensure the most optimal road user and pedestrian safety outcomes.
We will be coordinating construction where possible to reduce disruption to affected residents.
Request to widen the footpath along Frederick Street and remove the existing barrier to assist in widening the footpath.
Widening the kerb and removing the existing barrier would require significant construction works which are not possible within the scope of this proposal. We will coordinate with the Maintenance team to see if this can be incorporated into their renewal works for the area.

Community requests

Request for more speed calming measures to be installed in the area, perhaps speed cameras.
There are two existing speed humps in place further up the hill on Carlton Street where the road safety benefits are most present. The New Zealand Police manage speed cameras. You can contact them on the non-emergency line 105 to request their installation.
Request for driver’s speeds to be lowered on Goodall Street as this is of concern to residents
Goodall Street is not within the scope of this project. Please contact the NZ Police to request for enforcement on speed drivers, or contact us directly with your concerns regarding Goodall Street and we can file a customer request on your behalf (09) 930 5204.
Request that the chevrons are not elevated and do not impede pedestrian or driver’s lines of sight.
We have noted this and will apply this to the projects design when the chevrons are installed.

Auckland Transport listening to the local community

Concern that AT will not listen to residents’ feedback and that AT did not listen to the local community at the public meeting at Hillsborough Primary School
Auckland Transport reviews and assess all feedback and incorporates it where appropriate. If you feel that Auckland Transport has not listened to the community, you can request to see all feedback received.

Heavy Vehicles

Since the introduction of busses on Carlton Street in 2020, more heavy vehicles have started to travel along Carlton Street. Existing “no heavy vehicle” signs were removed with the introduction of the bus route. Resident expresses concern towards the number of heavy vehicles travelling on Carlton Street daily, which present a safety concern for walking busses and pedestrians travelling in the area.
We appreciate resident’s concerns regarding pedestrian safety in this area. To improve that issue, two speed tables were installed on Carlton Street reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety for all road users.

Additionally, the proposed intersection improvements will increase drivers’ awareness of the intersection and the stop controls in place. The changes will further provide safer points for pedestrians, especially walking busses to cross Frederick Street and Lilac Grove.

The current footpaths on Carlton Street are narrow with no berms, however this is not unusual, and does not pose an excessive threat to pedestrians in the area provided the presence of appropriate pedestrian crossing facilities like the proposed changes.
Concern that the busses on Carlton Street are not utilised and are often empty. Resident states that busses on Carlton Street create excessive noise, vibration, and pollution in the area for residents.
For the week 9 May 2022 to 16 May 2022, 177 people caught the 68 bus from a bus stop on Carlton St and 192 people got off a 68 bus at a bus stop on Carlton St. More people were on the bus as it travelled through this area.

Route 68 is a long bus route and people utilise it along its length travelling between New Lynn, Blockhouse Bay, Richardson Road, Hillsborough Road, Carlton Street and Onehunga. There will be times when a bus has only a driver or only a few people on board as it passes through Carlton Street; this is partially attributable to the effects of the current COVID-19 pandemic resulting in people not travelling in the same ways that they did previously.

The uncertainty COVID-19 has created has resulted in people still working from home and being cautious to mingle with others. We saw the importance buses played to the community as they moved those not fortunate enough to be able to drive or own a car to transport them to essential services, either as a worker, customer or patient. Over the past few weeks, we have seen patronage on buses growing and we expect it to continue to grow as the effects of COVID-19 diminish.

Raised concerns on the design of the project

Concern that the kerb ramp will not have a lip down to assist people moving easily between the footpath and the road.
The kerb ramp will not have a lip, but a ramp. The ramp will be a slow gradual slope, that will help people move easily between the footpath and the road.
Concern that the white stop lines are not legal. Are the stop line restrictions being painted on Lilac Grove meant to be yellow in the external drawing?
Auckland Transport can confirm that stop controls will not be installed on Lilac Grove as a result of community feedback.
Concern that the proposed trimming of the vegetation outside the Frederick Street side of 1 Lilac Grove will not improve pedestrian safety. The existing non-standard safety barrier must either be replaced or removed and the footpath widened to 1.8 metres (as designated in the AT TDM Engineering Design Code, Footpaths and Public Realm Chapter, Page 14). This must be included in the proposed intersection improvement works.
This would require the kerb to be moved which would be a significant project and not possible within the scope of the proposal changes. However, we will coordinate with the maintenance team to see if this can be incorporated into their renewal works.

Signalise the intersection

Suggestion to signalise the intersection of Frederick Street and Carlton Street so that Carlton Street traffic gives way to Frederick Street.
We are not currently looking at signalising this intersection due to current traffic volumes which do not justify traffic signals.

We’re proposing improvements in your area

On behalf of everyone at Auckland Transport, we hope this letter finds you and your whānau well during the change in alert levels. As part of our work to keep Aucklanders moving, we are proposing to improve pedestrian and road user safety in Hillsborough by upgrading the intersection of Carlton Street, Frederick Street and Lilac Grove.

We are proposing to:

Paint a white “stop” line at the intersection of Lilac Grove and Frederick Street. The stop line will mark the end of Lilac Road and indicate to drivers that they must give way at the intersection.
Install a new 1.8m wide footpath on the corner of Frederick Street and Carlton Street. This will also involve installing kerb ramps, which help people move easily between the footpath and the road. The kerb ramps will have tactile pavers on them, which are yellow guidance paving markers that help visually impaired people to find their way to crossings and safely across roads.
Kerb ramps with tactile pavers will also be installed on Lilac Grove and Frederick Street, providing safe places for pedestrians to cross.
Paint broken yellow lines (no stopping at all times) outside of no.93 Lilac Grove, no.91 Frederick Street and no.103 Carlton Street (on the Frederick Street side). This will remove 5 on-street parking spaces.
Raise the existing chevron sign heading west up Frederick Street, before the turnoff for Lilac Grove.
Paint new road markings and install new signage to support the intersection improvements.
Trim existing vegetation on Carlton Street and Frederick Street to increase the width of the footpath for pedestrians.

Download proposal drawing

Auckland Transport conducted a safety audit at the intersection of Carlton Street, Frederick Street and Lilac Grove and identified a number of safety concerns and risks here. The intersection improvements proposed will increase driver’s awareness of the intersection and the stop controls in place. The changes will further provide safer points for pedestrians to cross Frederick Street and Lilac Grove.

We need to remove some on-street parking to make sure people wanting to cross the road and car drivers are able to see each other clearly. We understand removing parking can be inconvenient, so we have minimised the removal of parking whilst maintaining clear visibility.

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

What happens next

We’ll consider 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 by the Auckland Regional Fuel tax.

Carlton Street, Frederick Street and Lilac Grove, Hillsborough: 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 the intersection of Carlton Street, Frederick Street and Lilac Grove 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).