Mount Albert - Traffic calming improvements Mount Albert - Traffic calming improvements

Cluster 1 - Carrington Rd, Segar Ave, Tasman Ave, Fontenoy St and Fifth Ave

We are proposing new “Slow” road markings and signage at the intersections of Carrington Road and Segar Avenue, Tasman Avenue, Fontenoy Street and Fifth Avenue.

View the consultation drawing for Cluster 1 (PDF 4MB)

Feedback

• Concern that the locations of the bus stops on Carrington Rd near Segar Avenue and opposite the entrance to Fifth Ave are dangerous and inconvenient for both motorists and cyclists. This issue is outside the immediate scope of this project that focuses on speed calming and pedestrian facilities on side streets between Carrington Rd and St Lukes Rd. We have referred this issue to the relevant team at AT to review the safety and location of these existing bus stops.
• Requests to have the parking facilities at the top of Fontenoy St addressed where local residents are experiencing difficulties finding parking space because students and workers are parking there during the week. This issue has also been referred to the relevant team at AT to review the need for parking restrictions to discourage all-day-parking on Fontenoy St.
• Requests for additional speed calming measures, including a speed table on Fifth Ave and speed humps on Fontenoy St. While these traffic-calming devices cannot be accommodated within this project, additional measures will be considered in the future.
• Request to have a raised table or surface rather than red threshold treatments to address speed. The proposed threshold treatments are effective at addressing traffic speeds and are appropriate for the scope of this project, where raised tables would add significant additional costs. The threshold treatments are located on selected Mount Albert side streets where they meet Carrington Road and St Lukes Rd. They include coloured road surfacing and signs that are intended to establish a clear visual indication that drivers are entering a quieter, residential environment. On wide streets, the thresholds also include central refuge islands that will tighten lane widths and reduce driving speeds. We also noted that because drivers entering the residential side streets are either turning left or right, their speeds are already relatively low.
• Request to introduce a speed limit of 30km/h for all local roads in the proposal area. While lowering speed limits will not be considered as part of this proposal, we are developing a future Speed Management Plan that will consider lowering speed limits along residential streets, including those between Carrington Rd and St Lukes Rd.
• Request to have traffic islands or chicanes that drivers need to weave through to bring speeds down. Speed humps or speed tables are preferable to chicanes for traffic calming. They generally do not require the removal of any on-street parking spaces, whereas chicanes often involve a significant loss of parking. Existing speed humps and speed tables currently function well on many streets within the proposal area and we are keen to provide a consistent speed treatment across these streets.
• A suggestion that the threshold treatments be set further back from Carrington Rd to reduce congestion and potential confusion for drivers turning from Carrington into the local side streets. We believe that relocating the threshold treatments further back from Carrington Road would reduce the effectiveness of providing clear warning to motorists that they are entering a residential street. The threshold treatment also highlights the point at the intersection where pedestrians are crossing. The proposed position of the thresholds follows Auckland Transport Code of Practice standards and is similar to other treatments in the area.
• A suggestion that there is no need to implement slow zones where drivers are entering Carrington Rd. The threshold treatments are not directed at motorists entering Carrington Rd, rather they signal to motorists exiting Carrington Rd that they are now driving along quieter, residential streets.
• Request to have the No Exit sign more visible on Rawalpindi St to reduce the volume of drivers mistakenly taking this route. This issue has been forwarded to the relevant AT team who will review the position of the No Exit sign on Rawalpindi St.
• Requests for Slow Zone signs to be placed on Carrington Rd before the entrances to local side streets. Signs placed on Carrington Rd would cause confusion amongst motorists and would deviate from the standard gateway treatment design proposed here. The signs placed on residential streets as close as possible to the major road intersection so they are visible to motorists as they are entering the street.
• Request to have the road surface on Margaret Street assessed - the concern is that the surface is reflective and blinding drivers. This issue has been passed on to the relevant AT team who will assess the road surfacing on Margaret St.
• Request for more street lights and regular street cleaning. This request has also been passed onto the relevant AT team for assessment.
• Request for a new pedestrian crossing on Carrington Rd, near Benfield St. This proposal specifically focuses on side-streets between Carrington Rd and St Lukes Rd. This request for an additional pedestrian crossing on Carrington Rd has been forwarded to the relevant team at AT for future investigation.
• Request to have more broken yellow lines (no stopping parking restrictions) installed near the intersection with Carrington Rd. This request will not be incorporated in our plans. A majority of Carrington Rd has no stopping markings on both sides of the road, except the area south of Fifth Ave outside Gladstone Primary School. This short section, approximately 65m long, serves as a pickup/drop off area for the school. At each of the intersections that meet Carrington Rd, it is proposed that the minimum length of no stopping markings are established to maintain visibility, provides clear route for motorist and accommodates vehicle tracking requirements.
• Request for AT visit the intersection of Carrington Rd at Segar Ave during peak traffic hours, in wet conditions and in winter darkness. AT has undertaken a site walkover as part of the development of this proposal.
• Concern that pedestrians expect traffic to give way at the Slow Zone entrances to local roads, especially where vehicles are travelling from Point Chevalier along Carrington Rd and into Fifth Ave. This includes a request to install signs that indicate that pedestrians must give way to cars. The threshold treatments do not give pedestrians priority over motorists. Signs indicating pedestrians must give way to traffic are not normally provided at similar treatments and no additional signs are considered necessary.
• Requests for clarification on how the Slow Zone signs function as to who they are facing and how they would slow traffic. The proposed threshold signs will face motorists entering the residential area from the arterial road. Please refer to our comments above regarding the function of the threshold treatments.

Cluster 2 - Seaview Tce, Thomas Ave, Grant St and Braemar Tce

We are proposing new crossings, kerb and footpath changes and “Slow” road markings and signage in selected areas of Seaview Terrace, Thomas Avenue, Grant Street and Braemar Terrace. These changes involve the removal of some on-street parking.

View the consultation drawing for Cluster 2 (PDF 7MB)

Feedback

• Requests for more traffic calming measures in this area, including a specific request to have speed humps installed on Thomas Ave, or chicanes along the street to slow traffic speeds. Thomas Ave was not identified as a high priority route for additional traffic calming and this request will not be incorporated in our plans. Additional traffic calming devices will be considered in the future.
• Request to have a raised table or surface rather than red threshold treatments to better address speed. The proposed threshold treatments are effective at addressing traffic speeds and are appropriate for the scope of this project, where raised tables would add significant additional costs. The threshold treatments are located on selected Mount Albert side streets where they meet Carrington Road and St Luke’s Rd. They include coloured road surfacing and signs that are intended to establish a clear visual indication that drivers are entering a quieter, residential environment. On wide streets, the thresholds also include central refuge islands that will tighten lane widths and reduce driving speeds. We also noted that because drivers entering the residential side streets are either turning left or right, their speeds are already relatively low.
• Request to remove car parking near intersections in this area to aid driver and pedestrian visibility for safer crossings. This issue has been forwarded to the relevant team at AT to investigate the need to install additional no stopping markings approaching intersections.
• Requests to remove on-street parking along Lloyd Ave, specifically at the northwestern end of the street, the north end of Grant Street connecting to Monaghan Ave, and along Counsel Terrace. These requests have been referred to the relevant team at AT who will investigate the need to remove additional on-street parking.
• Requests to have a Stop Sign or a mirror installed when coming out left of Thomas Ave onto Seaview Tce. The current Give Way control is considered appropriate for this intersection. Driver visibility when exiting Thomas Avenue is also acceptable and we believe that installing a mirror is not required.
• A suggestion that Give Way controls be placed on Lloyd Ave, rather than Thomas Ave and Counsel Tce, because  the flow of traffic is higher through the latter. We understand the concern that some motorists are using Counsel Tce and Thomas Ave as rat-runs and speeding on these streets. The Give Way at the Lloyd Avenue intersection mitigates these issues to some extent by requiring drivers to slow down and/or stop mid-way along the route. We believe that changing the Give Way priority would increase speeds and actually make the route a more attractive rat-run and this suggestion will not be incorporated in this project.
• Concern about the removal of car parking, which is reported to be limited in this area. Respondents suggest that these changes would result in increased parking congestion along nearby streets. Some respondents were also especially concerned at the removing of parking outside the houses of elderly people who would be greatly inconvenienced. Intersections where we are proposing new pedestrian refuge islands also include broken yellow lines or no stopping at all times parking restrictions. These parking restrictions are required to enhance visibility for pedestrians and motorists as they approach and cross these roads. The extent of these parking restrictions has been minimised wherever possible. We also note that unrestricted on-street car parking is available within close walking distance of all sites that involve additional parking removal.
• Requests for an additional pedestrian refuge at the end of Lloyd Ave where it intersects with Seaview Tce to aid safer crossings. Due to the narrow width of Lloyd Avenue, there is insufficient space to install a pedestrian refuge island at intersection with Seaview Tce.
• Request to install a zebra crossing at the intersection of Seaview Tce and Thomas Ave. Based on site visit observations, the low number of pedestrians crossing at this location does not currently justify the installation of a zebra crossing.
• Request for better pedestrian management in the area. The proposed changes are part of a review we conducted of the local area street network. We believe that these additional crossing facilities and traffic calming measures will greatly improve safety and connectivity for all pedestrians in the area.
• Suggestion to have two lanes marked at Seaview Tce intersections to help prevent right turning cars from blocking left turning cars. Seaview Tce is not wide enough to accommodate the marking of two lanes (one for left-turning vehicles and one for right-turning vehicles).
• Request to have the proposed Give Way on Braemar Tce more clearly marked to halt traffic more effectively. The proposed Give Way markings and signage are in accordance with Auckland Transport Code of Practice standards and the downhill grade to the intersection provides a clear and unobstructed view of the intersection.
• Suggestion to have large traffic calming polka dots placed on Lloyd Ave from Thomas Ave to Prospero Tce. The polka dot markings are a currently a trial project that is being installed in urban city centre locations with high levels of pedestrian activity. Lloyd Ave, Thomas Ave and Prospero Tce are located in a residential area and not considered appropriate location to install polka dots.
• Request to have a circular pick-up/drop-off area on the schools grounds on Monahan Ave. We cannot pursue this request as it involves the school grounds and is outside of Auckland Transport’s remit.
• Question if the proposed traffic island on Seaview Tce will be affected by the development of multiple properties on this street. The proposed traffic island on Grant St at the intersection with Seaview Tce will not affect developments on Seaview Tce. The vehicle crossing entrance on Grant Rd is located 18 metres from the Seaview corner, well away from our proposed island.

Cluster 3 - Parkdale Rd, Guardwell Tce, Fifth Ave, Leone Tce, Linwood Ave and Monaghan Ave

We are proposing new crossings on Parkdale Road, Guardwell Terrace, Fifth Avenue, Leone Terrace and Linwood Avenue and a speed hump on Monaghan Avenue. These changes involve the removal of some on-street parking.

View the consultation drawing for Cluster 3 (PDF 6MB)

Feedback

• Requests to have further traffic calming measures to reduce traffic speeds, specifically speed tables on Fifth Avenue, Grant St, Guardwell Tce and Rossgrove Tce. While additional traffic calming devices will be considered in the future, these requests will not be incorporated in our immediate plans for this area.
• A request for a School Zone sign approaching Monaghan Ave, as the main entrance to Gladstone Primary School. This request has been forwarded to the relevant team at AT who will investigate the need for a school zone.
• Request to repair the existing speed bump, which is not slowing traffic effectively. This request to repair the existing speed hump has been referred to our maintenance team.
• Request to convert the speed table on Martin Ave near the Martin Ave Superette into a pedestrian crossing because people are frequently crossing at that location. Zebra crossings are generally only installed in locations where there is a particularly high number of pedestrians crossing the road. This location does not currently meet this threshold for a new zebra crossing.
• Concern that the proposed speed bump on Monaghan Ave is located on a sharp corner near Parkdale Road and could cause traffic congestion during this morning/afternoon peak hours with cars slowing to make this turn. Respondents suggest that this speed table be shifted eastward, slightly. The proposed location of the speed table on Monaghan Avenue is far enough from Parkdale Rd to allow motorists to safely turn into and from the street. Our investigations suggest that there is no other suitable location east of the proposed option due to nearby driveways and the road-bend.
• Request to have new broken yellow line parking restrictions at the following locations: Grant St and Monaghan Ave; the western side of Parkdale Rd; Linwood Ave from the entrance of St Helens/Auckland Institute of Studies to past Chamberlain Park entrance; the intersection of Norrie Ave and Rossgrove Tce. The extent of the proposed parking restrictions aims to strike a balance between providing acceptable visibility for motorists and pedestrians and maintaining a sufficient level of on-street parking. We believe that the proposed extent of broken yellow lines at these locations is currently adequate and no further extension will be incorporated.
• Request to install additional pedestrian crossing facilities near the intersections of Rossgrove Tce and Doreen Ave and Rossgrove Tce and Linwood Ave; Rossgrove Tce, near the intersection with Norrie Ave; and at the intersection of Asquith Ave and Rossgrove Tce. These locations were not highlighted as a high priority areas for pedestrian improvements as part of this project, but these suggestions have been passed on to the relevant team at AT who will assess the need for an additional crossing point.
• Request for pram crossings in all four directions at the intersection of Martin Ave and Leone Tce. Pram crossings with pedestrian refuges have been proposed on the Leone Terrace approaches as our investigations show that these are the locations of the highest crossing demand. Additional crossings will not be incorporated in our current plans.
• A request to consider building the kerb out at the intersection of Monaghan Ave and Parkdale Rd to sharpen the corner radius and reduce crossing distance for pedestrians. Respondent notes that this would be beneficial as this is a major school walking route. The proposed refuge island reduces the crossing distance significantly and we do not consider a kerb build-out is necessary. The existing 5 metre kerb radii at this intersection ensures that traffic will not be able to enter Parkdale Rd at high speed.
• Request for pram crossing at the corner of Martin Ave and Guardwell Tce to wrap around the corner and face diagonally across the intersection to better meet the needs of the pedestrian desire line moving from the corner of Monaghan to Martin. Pram crossings and a pedestrian refuge have been proposed across the Guardwell Terrace approach to this intersection as our investigations show that this is the location of highest crossing demand. We do not recommend aligning the pram crossings diagonally across the intersection because it is not consistent with best design practices and could result in confusion for visually impaired pedestrians.
• Request to have pedestrian crossings installed on all intersections in each of the cluster areas. Based on site observations, the number of pedestrians crossing at most locations does not justify the installation of additional zebra crossings. This project is proposing to improve pedestrian crossings facilities to a level that is appropriate to meet current pedestrian demand.
• Request for the existing pedestrian crossing on Martin Ave to be converted to a zebra crossing to address current confusion about whether cars need to give way to pedestrians as the situation is especially confusing for school children. This issue will not be addressed in our plans, but we have referred it to the relevant team at AT who will investigate the existing crossing point and determine whether any further improvements are required.
• Request to add a painted section across the intersection of Parkdale Rd and Monaghan Ave to make it easier for pedestrians to cross. The threshold treatments with coloured surfacing are only proposed at the entry points into the quieter, residential area from much busier Carrington Rd and St Lukes Rd. Installing these threshold treatments at intersections within this area is not consistent with the overall design logic which intends to slow vehicles and make drivers more aware as they enter the residential zone.
• A suggestion that the proposed intersection improvements are unnecessary as there is insufficient traffic either by vehicle or by foot to warrant them. Local residents have raised safety concerns with both the Albert-Eden Local Board and AT in regards to excessive speeding in the area, rat running and a lack of pedestrian facilities. The Albert-Eden Local Board is providing funds for AT to address these concerns with traffic calming measures and improved pedestrian facilities.
• Request to retain two on-street car parking spaces on Martin Ave. The concern is that residents will not have sufficient on-street parking. Respondents are also concerned about the removal of parking near train station for commuters. Parking removal has been minimised wherever possible in this proposal, but is necessary on Martin Ave to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and drivers by providing a clear line of site approaching the proposed crossing facility. Unrestricted on-street car parking does still exist within close walking distance of all sites in the proposal area.
• Request to install Stop control instead of a Give Way at Guardwell Tce. Several factors are considered when determining the appropriate intersection control, including the speed of traffic at the intersection and motorist’s visibility at the intersection. Based on an assessment we have concluded that this intersection warrants a Give Way control and not a Stop control.
• Request to improve the quality of recreational grounds and entertainments available to older children to encourage exercise and play. This proposal focuses specifically on traffic calming treatments in Mount Albert, please contact the Albert-Eden Local Board to discuss recreational opportunities.

Cluster 4 - Segar Ave, Norgrove Ave, Rawalpindi St, Fontenoy Street and Parkdale Rd

We are proposing a new Give Way on Segar Avenue, new crossings on Norgrove Avenue and Rawalpindi Street and a new roundabout at the intersection of Fontenoy Street and Parkdale Road. These changes involve the removal of some on-street parking.

View the consultation drawing for Cluster 4 (PDF 4MB)

Feedback

• Request to add zebra crossings or pedestrian refuge islands to proposed roundabout arms. Respondents report that school children frequently cross Fontenoy St when walking along Parkdale Rd and that refuge islands will enhance crossing safety for those with impaired mobility. This site does not meet the requirements for refuge islands and zebra crossings because of the low number of vehicles travelling through these streets and low numbers of pedestrians. While the roads are too narrow to accommodate refuge islands, we believe that the proposed roundabout will bring down vehicle speeds and make it easier for pedestrians to cross.
• Request to have the proposed pedestrian island widened at the intersection of Rawalpindi and Fontenoy Sts to reduce the speed of cars turning from Fontenoy into Rawalpindi. Respondent reports that cars travel at speeds around this corner and suggests that it be tightened as a traffic calming measure. The proposed raised refuge island will tighten up the intersection and encourage lower speeds for turning vehicles. But widening this island would block access for larger vehicles, such as rubbish trucks and will not be incorporated in our plans.
• Concern for on-street parking removal outside residents’ houses. Comment left from resident in 37 Parkdale Road. The parking restrictions are required to enhance visibility for pedestrians and motorists at the proposed roundabout. The extent of these parking restrictions has been minimised wherever possible. We also note that unrestricted on-street car parking is available within close walking distance.
• Concern for the proposed extension of the berm at 36 Parkdale Rd. There is only a minor increase in the size of the grass berm to better align the footpath with the pram crossings at the intersection.
• Requests for speed bumps traffic calming measures on Rawalpindi St, Segar Ave and Parkdale Ave from Margaret Ave to Martin Ave. We will consider additional traffic calming measures for this area in the future, but this request will not be incorporated in the current proposal plans.
• Suggestion that the proposed roundabout is unnecessary and will not control traffic speeds. The proposed roundabout will require drivers on all approaches to slow down at the intersection in order to safely negotiate the roundabout turn.
• Request to replace proposed roundabout with a combination of pedestrian crossings and speed tables to lower traffic speeds and better assist pedestrians. A roundabout is the preferred option for this intersection as it requires drivers to reduce speeds in order to negotiate the roundabout turn. Our surveys show that installing speed tables on all approaches will not provide greater traffic calming benefits than a roundabout.
• Request for a protected cycle way connecting to Chamberlain park through local roads, including Rawalpindi Street and Parkdale Road. Installing a new cycle facility linking to Chamberlain Park is not part of this project. This suggestion has been referred to the relevant team at AT to investigate.
• Question if AT will be constructing a footpath near 2a Norgrove Ave. There are no plans to install a new footpath in the vicinity of 2A Norgrove Avenue. Vehicles parked on the street can be safely accessed via the existing footpath.
• Request to have Give Way controls on each street at the intersection of Parkdale Rd, Fontenoy St and Margaret Ave. This would slow the traffic travelling along Fontenoy St and Margaret Ave. Pedestrian refuges are also suggested at this location to aid school children in crossing the road. It is proposed to install a roundabout at this intersection which will include Give-Way controls on all approaches. The roads are not wide enough to have pedestrian refuge islands installed on the approaches.
• Request for a threshold treatment across the entrance to Rawalpindi St to highlight the crossing paths of pedestrians. The threshold treatments with coloured surfacing are only proposed at the entry points into the quieter, residential area from much busier Carrington Rd and St Lukes Rd. Installing these threshold treatments at intersections within this area is not consistent with the overall design logic which intends to slow vehicles and make drivers more aware as they enter residential zone.
• Request for road markings on Rawalpindi St (approaching Fontenoy) to warn drivers coming rounding the curve about the likelihood of pedestrians ahead. A white limit line currently exists along Rawalpindi St that guides motorists around the bend. Broken Yellow Line road markings are proposed at this location to clear the intersection of parked cars and ensure adequate visibility for drivers and pedestrians. No additional road markings or signage is proposed at this intersection.
• Request for additional No Exit sign on the Rawalpindi St road surface near the Segar Ave intersection - the current on-street signage is reported to be too small and obscured by trees. This request has been forwarded to the relevant team at AT to assess the current function of No Exit signage.

Cluster 5 - Linwood Ave, St Lukes Rd and Challinor Cr

We are proposing new “Slow” road markings and signage at the intersection of Linwood Avenue and St Lukes Road, a new crossing on Challinor Crescent and a new speed hump on Linwood Avenue.

View the consultation drawing for Cluster 5 (PDF 2MB)

Feedback

• Request to extend broken yellow line parking restrictions from 55 Linwood Ave along the street or along one side of Linwood Ave, altogether. Cars parked at these locations are pushing drivers to travel on the opposite side of the road in to oncoming traffic. It is common for drivers to have to cross the centre-line on minor roads to pass parked cars. Provided drivers take due care and give-way to opposing traffic, it is not considered a significant safety issue. The proposed speed hump in this location will ensure speeds are low, but removing parking from one side of the road would also increase vehicle speeds and will not be incorporated in our plans.
• Request to have a slow sign at the bend in Linwood Ave in between numbers 58 and 59 because it is a blind spot for traffic. This request has been forwarded to the relevant team at AT to assess the need for additional “slow” signage prior to the bend at 58 and 59 Linwood Ave.
• Suggestion that there is no need for additional signs and pram crossings in this area. While we appreciate the concerns regarding the need to install additional facilities, we note that local residents have raised safety concerns with both the Albert-Eden Local Board and AT in regards to excessive speeding in the area, rat running and a lack of pedestrian facilities. The Albert-Eden Local Board is providing funds for AT to address these concerns with traffic calming measures and improved pedestrian facilities.
• Request to ban traffic turn right into Linwood Ave from St Lukes Rd in order to calm traffic and eliminate rat running through the quieter, residential streets. The additional traffic calming measures provided as part of this scheme would deter through traffic from using the residential streets between Carrington and St Lukes Roads. The right turn movement from St Lukes Road into Linwood Avenue is heavily used by vehicles travelling to locations within this area and prohibiting the turn would create a significant inconvenience to many. This suggestion will not be incorporated in our plans.
• Request to ban U Turns for cars travelling from St Lukes Rd onto Linwood Ave. The respondent suggests that the proposed changes will not be effective if this ban is not established. We are not currently aware of any issues with vehicles making U-turns on Linwood Avenue. The proposed improvements are not likely to encourage U-turns on the street and we will not be incorporating a ban in our plans.
• Request to change the proposed Slow road markings at the intersection of St Lukes Rd and Linwood Ave to a pedestrian crossing. The low number of pedestrians at this location means that a zebra crossing is currently not needed. Additionally, any crossing would need to be located some distance along Linwood Avenue as it would not be safe so close to this busy arterial intersection.
• Request to extend the lead-in to the St Lukes cycle-lane on Linwood Ave to prevent cars from blocking the entrance and forcing cyclists to use the footpath. This request has been forwarded to the relevant team at AT to review the need for improvements to the existing cycle lane on St Lukes Road in the vicinity of Linwood Ave.
• Request to consider the maintenance of footpaths along Challinor Cres at the same time as construction work occurs on the corner of Linwood. This request has been forwarded to the relevant team at AT to review the condition of existing footpaths in the vicinity.
• Question if cyclists are permitted to cycle in each direction on the northbound cycle lane on St Lukes Rd.  If so, please consider installing new signs on Linwood Ave to warn drivers to expect cyclists moving in both directions. The cycle-lanes on St Lukes Rd extend on both sides of the road in one-direction only. Cyclists can only travel with the direction of traffic in adjacent lanes.
• A suggestion that the proposed changes are unnecessary and will increase traffic congestion through these streets. We note that this proposal responds to safety concerns raised by local residents with both the Albert-Eden Local Board and AT in regards to excessive speeding in the area, rat running and a lack of pedestrian facilities. Our proposal addresses the traffic speeds and improves pedestrian facilities in this area. It is anticipated that traffic volumes will remain at the same level or in some cases be reduced.
• Request to install wider speed tables on Linwood Ave rather than a change the proposed speed bump. Residents request those similar to existing tables on Monaghan Ave. The existing speed humps are deemed to be effective and we are reluctant to convert them to speed tables at this point in time due to the great expense of doing so.