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Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough - Intersection improvements Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough - Intersection improvements

Proposal status: Feedback closed 17 June 2020. Last updated 20 July 2021.

Reference number: MIP1920-027

Proposal update

In January 2021 we advised the outcome of our project to improve the intersection of Hillsborough Road with Commodore Drive and Griffen Park Road. We can now confirm the construction timeframe of this project is during the 2021/2022 financial year.

Proposal outcome

In June 2020, to improve safety at the intersection of Hillsborough Road, we proposed the installation of a new roundabout, raised crossing and a new crossing with traffic lights.

After reviewing all the feedback, we are proceeding with minor changes to the next stage of detailed design. Changes include the removal of the traffic island on the eastern approach of the roundabout to make it easier for residents to manoeuvre safely from their driveways. This change is in response to a concern raised during our external consultation.

Download the updated drawing (PDF 1.1MB)

What happens next

We anticipate the changes will be constructed in the 2021/2022 financial year. We will be in touch with local residents and business prior to any construction taking place.

Community feedback

This consultation timeframe for this proposal was significantly impacted by Covid-19, we apologise for the delay in publishing the outcome of this proposal. Thank you for helping us make better decisions for your neighbourhood, informed by your local knowledge. A summary of your feedback and our responses to community questions is below.

  • Fully supports this proposal. A local resident, has noticed the traffic problems at this intersection for long time. The proposed changes are well planned. It would greatly improve the safety of both road users and the pedestrians on this busy and hilly road.
    Thank you for your feedback. We expect to create a safer environment with better traffic flow and to make it safer for all road users. The design was provided to create a safe system approach and reduce crash likelihood in the area.
  • Concerns that the installation of a roundabout on a busy arterial road could hinder traffic flow.
    We have undertaken on-site visits (AM/PM peak hours), safety system analysis, traffic modelling and consultation with other professionals. In the traffic modelling analysis, it was observed that the volumes during PM peak (when traffic is high) are likely to have the same operation as it is now. However, the roundabout will enable motorists from Commodore Drive and Griffen Park Road to exit the side roads more safely than the current situation. The design of the roundabout will bring safety benefits, which are in line with our Vision Zero principles.
  • Concerns regarding the incline of Hillsborough Road and traffic not being able to safely stop when approaching the roundabout.
    Hillsborough Road is the busiest road of the three roads affected by our proposed changes. When evaluating options, we ruled out the option of signalising the intersection to avoid congestion during peak hours and also reduce the likelihood of rat-running along this road. Currently, 13 crashes have been reported over the past five years at this intersection. With the installation of the roundabout and raised zebra crossings, we expect a significant reduction in the number of crashes in the area. To ensure that safety will be achieved with this project, we are proposing sections of broken yellow lines to allow better visibility for drivers and we have proposed new crossings only where we could ensure that no pedestrians would be at risk.
  • Query regarding pedestrians walking west of the roundabout and how they would cross Hillsborough Road.
    When designing the proposal, the issue of pedestrians being able to cross on the western side of the roundabout was investigated. Due to the topography of the road (downhill), potential conflict with driveways and unsafe spots for pedestrians, a crossing on the western leg was not considered to be safe. As part of the intersection upgrade, we would like to encourage people to cross at safer places, therefore raised crossings on the southern and northern side of the intersection have been proposed, as well as a mid-block crossing to enable people to access the shops.
  • Concerns for cyclists having to travel through a roundabout on an arterial road.
    A single lane roundabout improves safety for cyclists, when compared to dual-lane approaches. With a single lane and speed tables, driving speeds will be lower, which should create a safer environment for cyclists.
  • Request for traffic lights to be installed instead of a roundabout due to high density traffic.
    The option of signalising the intersection was considered. However, it is likely to cause more congestion issues during peak hours, particularly along Hillsborough Road – where there is high traffic volume. By installing a roundabout, it is possible to keep traffic flow during peak hours, with drivers being able to negotiate priority at the roundabout. In addition, with a roundabout we can prevent cars from rat running and also reduce the likelihood of vehicles from using the petrol station as a short-cut (if we would progress with the option of a signalised intersection). After a review of the safety benefits and the best traffic operation, we have decided to progress with the option of installing a roundabout rather than a signalised crossing.
  • Suggestion to install more broken yellow lines to prevent people parking at least 200m from the roundabout.
    All proposed broken yellow lines were based on visibility checks which take into consideration the designed speed, reaction time for drivers to pedestrians and other relevant aspects such as crash statistics and gradient of the road. The results from our investigation showed that the planned broken yellow lines meet all safety criteria for this project.
  • Concerns about the signalised pedestrian crossing as not all cars will stop putting pedestrians particularly young children, at risk when crossing the road.
    We need to ensure that pedestrian safety is achieved for those crossing Hillsborough Road, which is a road with high volume of traffic. We have looked at other options, such as installing a raised zebra crossing, however as the pedestrian crossing demand is high during peak hours, the roundabout should encourage slower speeds which means no one should be travelling at high speeds putting pedestrians at risk.
  • Request to add a refuge island to the medians instead of raised zebra crossings.
    Raised zebra crossings provide the better safety outcome. With them, we can guarantee a high level of service at the intersection, slow vehicle speeds and improve general safety for vehicles and pedestrians.
  • Request for the raised zebra crossings to have a more gentle approach and exit.
    All crossings in the proposal were designed to ensure a safer approach to road users, particularly vulnerable road users. The design consists of two raised zebra crossings to ensure a slow speed approach to drivers and the mid-block crossing was planned with high friction surface on its approach. Visibility checks confirmed that the crossings met the current traffic standards.
  • Recommendations to create a left turn only from Commodore Drive and Griffen Park Road.
    Creating any turning restriction towards the roundabout would compromise the efficiency of the roundabout, however it will improve traffic flow, allowing drivers to safely travel from Commodore Drive to Griffen Park Road and vice-versa. Due to the efficiency of the roundabout, left turn only will be no longer required.
  • Concerns that the proposed changes will cause more congestion and create problems when entering and exiting shared driveways opposite Melba Café.
    Before deciding to install a roundabout, we undertook different traffic modelling assessments which observes the operations of different options such as a signalised crossings. Results from this modelling showed that congestion will be minimal. With regards to the driveways opposite Melba Café, the spacing required to enter and exit these properties remains the same.
  • Request for the broken yellow lines on Commodore drive to be extended past Murray Halberg Retirement Village due to the blind spot on the road.
    Outside the retirement village broken yellow lines have been installed to provide a safer access for residents living in that location and also improve safety where visibility is compromised. The extension of broken yellow lines cannot be justified as the current layout is operating safely, with no reported crashes over the past five years. In addition, parking demand will increase with the roundabout in place.
  • Request for broken yellow lines to be extended eastbound on Hillsborough Road past number 683A due to cars parking on the road and obstructing traffic.
    Visibility was checked as part of the plan, including for vehicles travelling in the west-east traffic direction. As observed, the width available outside property 683A is suitable for a car to safely park and overall traffic to pass through.
  • Request for broken yellow lines to be extended the full length of Griffen Park Road.
    Traffic volumes along Griffen Park Road may increase with the proposed roundabout in place. Therefore, the removal of parking spaces needs to be carefully analysed to avoid an increase in speeds along the road. As observed, there has been no major crashes on this road to justify the inclusion of broken yellow lines.
  • Respondents don’t feel the road requires P30 parking unless for disabled use only.
    The parking restrictions were proposed to extend the current time limit from 10 to 30 minutes. This will enable customers from the shops to stay longer. Local Businesses were consulted and the proposal was supported by them. Dedicated parking for disabled users is generally installed on major town centres or where there is high disability user demand. The location of mobility parking spaces needs to be carefully considered to ensure safety of its vulnerable users. Installation of mobility parking on arterial roads is not recommended due to volume of traffic. Therefore, this location would not be a suitable location for a mobility car park. Mobility parking should be provided off street and by the business for its customers.
  • Request for signs to be implemented on the intersection to prohibit heavy trucks from using this route.
    Hillsborough Road is classified as Arterial and this road is a key route from White Swan Road to SH20. Prohibiting heavy trucks from using this road would cause severe impacts on traffic. Therefore this option is not considered a good outcome.
  • Query regarding the proposed grass berms and who will maintain these.
    The proposed grass berm area will now be removed from the proposal. However, we are going to look at other alternatives during the detailed design stage.
  • Request for high friction surfacing to be extended further to the west of the roundabout.
    The proposed length of the high friction surfacing was designed with the intention of a low speed approach for drivers when accessing the roundabout. By extending its length, we may not achieve a slow speed approach. However, this request will be reviewed during detail design stage.
  • Request to consider more accessible pathways for pedestrians with prams, wheelchairs and walking frames.
    All crossings will be designed to provide a safer crossing for pedestrians and vulnerable road users.
  • Request for more regular buses going through Commodore Drive for residents who wish to travel to the city.
    As this is not within the plan for this proposal, we will pass this onto AT Metro for consideration.

We're proposing changes in your area

We are proposing road safety improvements at the intersection of Hillsborough Road with Commodore Drive and Griffen Park Road. These changes include installing a new roundabout, raised crossing and a new crossing with traffic lights. The proposed changes are in response to requests from local residents. Our studies show that the intersection of Hillsborough Road is high-risk for crashes and accidents. The changes aim to prevent future accidents and improve road safety.

Changes proposed on Hillsborough Road

  • Install a roundabout at the intersection allowing traffic to flow smoothly through the entries and exits.
  • Paint new road markings to support the smooth function of the roundabout and guide drivers.
  • Install a push-button pedestrian crossing with traffic lights to make it safer for people to cross the road.
  • Install a skid-resistant road surface at entrance of Hillsborough Road to help improve safety and reduce drivers speeds before the roundabout.
  • Create one new P30 parking (30-minute parking restrictions) outside 606 Hillsborough Road.

Changes proposed on Commodore Drive

  • Install broken yellow lines (no stopping at all times) along the left-hand side of Commodore Drive to improve visibility.
  • Install a raised table (a speed bump that is flat and wide) to encourage slower speeds.
  • Provide parking turnover by implementing two new P30 parking on the righthand side of Commodore Drive.

Changes proposed on Griffen Park Road

  • Extend the footpath on all four corners of the roundabout to make it safer for people to easily move between the footpath and the road.
  • Install broken yellow lines (no stopping at all times) on both sides of Griffen Park Road to improve visibility for road users.

Download the proposal drawing for Hillsborough Road (PDF 1.1MB)

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 Hillsborough 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).