Flat Bush School Road, Flat Bush – New pedestrian bridge Flat Bush School Road, Flat Bush – New pedestrian bridge
Proposal status: Feedback closed 29 September 2020, last updated 10 November 2020.
Reference number: CSFH1.3
In September 2020, we proposed changes in your area
To improve pedestrian safety, Howick Local Board and Auckland Transport proposed to install a new pedestrian bridge with footpath connections between Koropa Road and Rashni Road on Flat Bush School Road in Flat Bush. You have told us that it is unsafe for people walking along this part of Flat Bush School Road, especially for school children, and asked us to provide safe pedestrian facilities.
Proposed changes
- Install a new timber pedestrian bridge with a pedestrian fence on the northern side of the bridge.
- Construct a new footpath and replant the berm linking up to the new pedestrian bridge.
- Paint broken yellow lines (no stopping at all times) near the pedestrian bridge.
- Remove existing trees and shrubs, both native and exotic, to install the pedestrian bridge. Trees will be replanted after the pedestrian bridge has been installed.
We know that it is currently unsafe for pedestrians, especially for school children walking to and from Te Uho o te Nikau Primary School. Our proposed pedestrian bridge and footpath improvements aim to provide a safe place for people to walk and connect footpaths to the nearby schools.
This proposal is also supported by the Regional Fuel Tax fund.
Download the proposal drawing for Flat Bush School Road (PDF 2.7MB)
Proposal outcome
This proposal will proceed with minor changes to the next stage of detailed design. We will be relocating the cycle ramp to the west of Koropa Road intersection to minimise the reconstruction work for the footpath and berm. We will also install a section of broken yellow lines (no stopping at all times) on the southern side of Flat Bush School Road. Subject to a successful resource consent application, we hope to start construction in March 2021.
Download the updated drawing for this proposal (PDF 2.1MB)
Thank you to everyone who responded to our proposal which 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
- Many respondents supported this proposal, noting that the pedestrian bridge and footpath connections will make it a lot safer for children to walk in the area.
Thank you for your feedback.
Pedestrian bridge
- Mentions that there is already a wooden bridge on Rashni Road which can be used, and it will be cheaper.
The Rashni Road bridge is located over 200m away from the Flat Bush School Road intersection. This is too far away from where most people would want to cross the road. The majority of pedestrians will continue along Flat Bush School Road rather than walk the extra distance to the existing bridge. Therefore, from a safety perspective we must provide appropriate infrastructure for this pedestrian desire line. Furthermore, currently this wooden bridge leads to vacant land which is planned to be developed in the future. - Suggestion for the pedestrian bridge to be on the same side as Te Uho O Te Nikau school to link up to the current pedestrian walkway and cycle lanes.
There is currently no existing footpath on the southern side of Flat Bush School Road east of the stream (or west of the stream between the school and the bridge). An extensive new footpath would be required to connect this link which cannot be accommodated within the projects current funding. Therefore, we will be utilising the existing footpaths on the northern side both east and west of the stream to connect to the proposed pedestrian bridge. We will also utilise the existing raised zebra crossing as a safe crossing point for pedestrians. - Suggestions to install another pedestrian bridge on the other side of the road.
This is a Community Safety Fund project nominated by the Howick Local Board with the main objective being to provide a new pedestrian bridge across the stream on Flat Bush School Road. Due to funding, this project can only accommodate one pedestrian bridge at this location. The northern side has been selected as there is a close footpath section on the eastern side of the bridge which provides better connectivity between the proposed pedestrian bridge and the residential development. - Suggestions to consider upgrading and/or widening the current bridge as with more development planned there will be more traffic.
Upgrading or widening the current bridge would incur significant costs and is unfortunately not possible with the funding available for this project. However, the upgrade to the existing bridge and culvert has been identified in Auckland Transport's long-term plan. - Request for a temporary scaffold bridge until the road works are complete.
There will be suitable temporary traffic management in place to facilitate pedestrian movements across the stream during the construction period. - Query regarding why the pedestrian bridge cannot be a concrete bridge.
Due to current funding, we can only feasibly deliver a timber structure which is appropriate for pedestrian use. - Query regarding what the pedestrian fence will be and the height of it.
The pedestrian fence will be timber and the height of the railing will be 1.4 metres. - Suggestion for new street lighting to be installed close to the bridge.
New street lighting within the vicinity of the proposed pedestrian bridge will be considered as part of this project. However, this will be subject to the funding we have available. The priority will be to first construct a new safe crossing at this location. - Suggestion for anti-slipping stripes to be installed on the pedestrian bridge as a wooden bridge can be slippery.
Anti-slip surfacing will be installed as part of the bridge design.
Safety concerns
- Concern that there is no barrier between pedestrians and the road as drivers speed and there is a lot of traffic on the road.
The pedestrian bridge will be a separate structure to the existing road bridge. There is about 4m to 5m between the bridges and the proposed pedestrian bridge will have a barrier/handrail. - Concerns that the bridge and the road before and after the proposed works are not up to standard.
The existing road condition will be reviewed by our Auckland Transport Maintenance Team and any necessary repairs will be undertaken. Any damage caused to the road during construction of the pedestrian bridge will be repaired before completion of the project. - Suggestion to install judder bars as cars generally speed on this road.
We are currently working to a plan to reduce speeds on Auckland’s roads. This plan targets the highest priority areas based on the level of safety risk measured for each road on our network. The initial roll out of speed reduction is focused on approximately 10% of our road network, including residential areas.
To address traffic speeds in residential areas we have adopted an area-based focus for 2019 onwards. This recognises that traffic-calming changes on one street have a flow-on effect on the surrounding neighbourhood. This plan will support all drivers to travel at the appropriate speed and to the road conditions. This programme focuses delivery to areas that have been prioritised for changes to reduce the incidence and impact of crashes. This is based on several factors, including the number of crashes, safety risk, traffic speed, land use and concerns raised by local residents and their elected representatives.
While we do appreciate your concerns, Flat Bush School Road has not been identified in the first group of areas within our Residential Speed Management programme as other areas in the region are experiencing higher speeds and safety risks. More information, including the residential areas that will be prioritised for further investigation can be viewed on the Residential Speed Management Programme page on our website.
Road surface upgrade
- Suggestions to upgrade the road surface on Flat Bush School Road and surrounding roads (Koropa Road to Hermes Road) as they are uneven and in very bad conditions with dips and humps.
The existing road conditions will be reviewed by our Auckland Transport Maintenance Team and any necessary repairs will be undertaken.
Cycling infrastructure
- Queries regarding whether the new footpath and pedestrian bridge will be a shared cycle path or whether there be a cycle lane.
With the current funding constraints, we can only accommodate a standard pedestrian footpath and pedestrian bridge at this location. The new footpath and pedestrian bridge will not be a shared path and there will not be separate cycle lane near the pedestrian bridge. Cyclists can dismount and walk this section or continue to ride on the road if they are confident.
Footpaths
- Suggestion for the position of the new berm and new footpath to be swapped, so that students do not have to walk close to the busy road.
We are unable to accommodate this due to the gradient of the site and costs associated with the works. The raised kerb and footpath will create a physical separation and encourage lower vehicle speeds. This will significantly enhance the safety for pedestrians. - Concern that there are no footpaths for pedestrians near 256 Flat Bush School Road and near the intersection of Murphys Road and Flat Bush School Road. Suggestions for a footpath to be constructed on the south side of Flat Bush School Road and for the footpath to be extended to Mcquoids Road so it will be safer for pedestrians.
This is a Community Safety Fund project nominated by the Howick Local Board with the main objective being to provide a new pedestrian bridge across the stream on Flat Bush School Road. Due to funding, we can only accommodate the proposed pedestrian bridge and direct footpath connections at this location. However, these concerns and suggestions have be added to the footpath programme for consideration of implementation in the future. - Suggestions for the footpath between Rashni Road and Artemis Way to be fixed.
The existing footpath condition will be reviewed by our Auckland Transport Maintenance Team and any necessary repairs will be undertaken.
Pedestrian crossings
- Suggestions for pedestrian crossings at the following locations to improve safety for children crossing and to provide safer access to the new pedestrian bridge: Koropa Road, Rashni Road, Artemis Way, McQuoids Road.
Due to funding, we can only accommodate the proposed pedestrian bridge and direct footpath connections at this location. Although there are no current plans to upgrade the crossing facilities at these locations, we will continue to monitor the safety of pedestrians following the completion of construction works. If any changes or upgrades are deemed necessary, we will investigate this further and prioritise the implementation of the required infrastructure.
Parking restrictions
- Request for broken yellow lines to be added to all the corners of Flat Bush School Road and Rashni Road.
Broken yellow lines will be implemented on both corners of this intersection. - Concern that many cars that park on broken-yellow lines, berms, close (less than 1 metre) or across driveways and across/on footpaths in the area creating unsafe walking, cycling and driving environments.
Parking within one metre of a vehicle crossing/driveways or on broken yellow lines is illegal and this is clearly outlined in the New Zealand Road Code. All drivers are expected to be aware of the Road Code and may be subject to enforcement action if they park illegally. If you notice a vehicle is parked within one metre of a vehicle crossing and blocking access, please contact our Parking Compliance Department on (09) 355 3553 with the details of the vehicle to request enforcement action be taken. - Suggestion for broken yellow lines to be installed on both sides of the road between Rashni Road and Koropa Road.
We will be implementing broken yellow lines on the northern side of Flat Bush School Road starting from the existing parking bays to Rashni Road. A small section on the southern side will also be included in the restrictions however, as there is no existing kerb on the remaining southern side of Flat Bush School Road, we cannot implement further restrictions.
Temporary traffic measures
- Concern that even with the road cones making a temporary footpath, there are still trucks driving past making it feel unsafe to walk.
The current temporary traffic measures are in place to enable people walking, especially children going to and from the school, to safely cross the bridge and walk along the road. The site itself is also regularly maintained to ensure that the measures are compliant with current temporary traffic standards. This is a short-term solution and will be in place until a permanent pedestrian bridge and footpath can be constructed. - Concern that people are running red lights at the temporary traffic lights making it unsafe.
This is illegal behaviour which has been reported to the police. - Suggestion to remove the temporary traffic lights until construction on the pedestrian bridge begins.
The current temporary traffic measures are in place to enable people walking, especially children going to and from the school, to safely cross the bridge and walk along the road. This is a short-term solution and will be in place until a permanent pedestrian bridge and footpath can be constructed. - Many respondents would like the proposal implemented as soon as possible as they feel the temporary traffic lights are causing traffic, delays and that it is unsafe for both pedestrians and drivers.
The construction of the pedestrian bridge is expected to be completed within the current financial year (by June 30th, 2021) subject to resource consent approval. The existing temporary traffic management has made this bridge safer for all road users.
Other feedback
- Multiple queries regarding whether this project is a permanent or temporary solution.
The proposed pedestrian bridge is an interim solution to address the lack of safe connectivity at this location for pedestrians. - Queries regarding what the timeframe is for the start and completion of this project as it is currently frustrating with the long delays and the heavy traffic flow.
The construction of the pedestrian bridge is expected to be completed within the current financial year (by June 30th, 2021) subject to resource consent approval.
Next steps
These works are planned to be constructed by the end of June 2021, 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.
Focus on road safety - Community Safety Fund
This proposal is supported by the Community Safety Fund which is focused on tackling road safety concerns raised by the community. Auckland Transport is partnering with Howick Local Board and Ward Councillors to deliver this project.
Flat Bush: 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 Flat Bush School 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).