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Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough - Signalised pedestrian crossing Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough - Signalised pedestrian crossing

Proposal status: Feedback closed 2 October 2019, last updated 13 May 2021.

Reference number: RTV-251

Proposal update

We advised you in September 2019 that these works were scheduled to be constructed by June/July 2020.

This year funding has been reduced due to COVID-19 and as a result we have been unable to construct the signalised pedestrian crossing in the proposed timeframe. Once funding for this project becomes available the proposal will proceed and residents will be contacted with a new construction date.

We've proposed changes in your area

In September 2019, we proposed a signalised pedestrian crossing near 251 Hillsborough Road in Hillsborough

The crossing will be located near bus stops on either side of Hillsborough Road, near the Hillsborough Cemetery.

The proposal involved restricting 8 parking spaces, 4 on each side of the crossing, to make sure parked cars do not block visibility between motorists and people waiting to cross.

For details download the proposal drawing for signalised pedestrian crossing on Hillsborough Road (PDF 521KB).

Why the changes are needed

These changes are needed to improve safety for people walking and using the bus, and are part of a Puketāpapa Local Board initiative.

Proposal outcome

The proposed signalised crossing will proceed with minor changes to the next stage of detailed planning before being installed. As result of the Road Safety Audit, additional no stopping at all times (broken yellow lines) are required. The additional broken yellow lines will be painted to the right of the crossing on the north and southern side of Hillsborough Road. This will greatly improve the visibility between motorists and people waiting to cross. Additional 12 parking spaces will be removed. Please refer to the updated drawing.

Download the updated Hillsborough Road drawing (PDF 2.3MB)

Thank you to everyone who responded to our proposal and gave us the chance to better understand your community and concerns. A summary of your feedback and our responses to community questions is below.

Feedback received

  • We had many respondents support the proposal on the grounds that it will make crossing on Hillsborough Road safer for students of all ages and adults.
    Thank you for your feedback and the support to create a safe place for people to cross.

Access improvement

  • Multiple requests for broken yellow lines (no stopping at all times) around the intersection of Hira Way to improve access and safety of residents turning into and out of Hillsborough Street.
    Our Traffic Engineers confirmed that there have been no reported incidents over the past five years and drivers are moving through this intersection with ease. Therefore, we would not be able to justify broken yellow lines at the intersection of Hira Way. We will continue to monitor the operation of this intersection.
  • Concerns queues caused from crossing would prohibit residents from turning into and out of Hira Way and requests for shorter crossing times for people.
    The lights at the crossing will operate on an "on demand" basis only when required by people wanting to cross, therefore, the frequency of operation will not be high. Timing of the signals will be optimised to provide safe crossing and minimise impact on Hillsborough Road traffic.
  • Request to extend broken yellow lines by 10 metres at the top of Goodall Street to make it safer for vehicles turning into Goodall Street from Hillsborough Road.
    The existing broken yellow lines extend approximately 19 metres into Goodall Street. The adjacent driveway entrance to number 244 adds a further 5 metres to the no parking area. This is considered sufficient for vehicles to safely enter Goodall Street.
  • Multiple requests for a centre median strip to make turning into and out of driveways easier near 245-249 Hillsborough Road.
    A median strip will impact traffic using the road at peak times as the constriction could effectively reduce the traffic lanes from two to one. Due to this reason, we will not be installing a centre median strip.

Congestion concerns

  • Suggestion for a signalised intersection at Goodall Street to make it easier for traffic turning right onto Hillsborough Road.
    The volume of traffic on Goodall Street is relatively low and does not support a full signalisation of the intersection. The "on demand" crossing is intended to minimise back up of traffic on Hillsborough Road. Full signalisation of the intersection will increase traffic back-up.
  • Request for two turning lanes on Goodall Street to accommodate the congestion of trying to turn onto Hillsborough Street.
    The scope of this project is unable to accommodate this request. This will be passed on to our Traffic Engineering Team who will be able to investigate and, if suitable, provide a consultation for these improvements.
  • Suggestion to make Hillsborough Street two lanes both ways instead of the current 1.5 lanes to decrease congestion. This could be done by removing the footpath and deviating through the cemetery.
    During congested hours, Hillsborough Road has sections with Clearway, which allow free traffic movement when the restrictions apply. For pedestrian safety reasons, we are unable to justify any footpath removal.

Safety concerns

  • Concerns about the hill obstructing the crossing and not giving drivers time to stop. Suggestion to use signage for potential queues for vehicles coming from Richardson Road exit.
    This is beyond the scope of this project, however, we are developing safety improvements along Richardson Road. Once these improvements are developed, a consultation for these improvements will be undertaken and all feedback will be reviewed.
  • Concern about two cars crashing into the tree in front of 252 Hillsborough Street.
    This proposal aims to reduce the number of crashes in the area by using a skid-resistant road surface. This will force drivers to lower their speeds and make it safer for all people in this area.

Noise of the crossing

  • Numerous concerns over the noise of the crossing with some requests for a demonstration.
    Vehicles travelling at high-speeds create more noise and vibration issues, causing inconvenience for residents however, with the introduction of skid-resistant road surface this issue may be mitigated as vehicles will be travelling at lower speeds when approaching the crossing, reducing the likelihood of noise and vibration issues. With regard to the audible crossing devices, these will be there to help the visually impaired safely cross the road. To continue to support them, these must stay operational at all times.
    We have existing on-demand crossings on Hillsborough Road which are similar to the proposed crossing. We are happy to arrange a visit for residents that will be close to the crossing. This would occur on an arranged day between 8:15am and 8:45am in the morning when this is likely to be in peak use.

Other suggestions and requests

  • Suggestion to ensure the crossing accommodates the retaining wall.
    The design will address changes to the existing timber retaining wall between the grass berm and the kerb and will include a new retaining wall along the boundary of number 244 Hillsborough Road.
  • Request to extend the footpath on the cemetery side of Hillsborough Road around the corner into Goodall Street.
    This proposal is currently prioritised in our footpath programme. However, our footpath programme can only accommodate a limited number of requests each year. Once this particular request is allocated, we will start consultation with all affected parties.
  • Suggestion that the crossing should be an underpass or overpass on Goodall Road near Cemetery and Hillsborough Reserve.
    This is not possible with the budget for the project.

Next steps

These works are planned between June-July 2020, but we will let you know if there are further changes or delays. Our contractors will send notices to affected residents 48-hours prior to construction starting.