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Litten Road zebra crossing upgrade Litten Road zebra crossing upgrade

Proposal status: Closed

Reference number: 20100610

Proposal update

In December 2023 we invited community feedback on our proposal to upgrade the existing pedestrian crossing to a raised zebra crossing on Litten Road. We advised you that these works were scheduled to be constructed between July 2024 and June 2025.

Construction is now planned between July 2025 and June 2026.

Proposal outcome

In December 2023, we proposed changes to improve road crossing safety for pedestrians and cyclists at Litten Road, Cockle Bay. After reviewing all the feedback we received, we are proceeding with the work as proposed These works will help support our Vision Zero goal.  

What happens next

We anticipate the changes will be constructed between July 2024 and June 2025. We will be in touch with local residents and businesses prior to any construction taking place.

Community feedback

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.

Safety:

Requesting information on the number of accidents on a zebra crossing

There have been three reported crashes in the vicinity of the crossing in the past five years. Though, crashes are not the only reason for installing this type of crossing. Raised crossings are an effective way to slow vehicles down to 30km/h or less which significantly reduces the risk of a death or serious injury when an accident happens.

The Cost Estimate for this project is $272,543.16 (including 30% contingency). Of this, it is estimated to spend $4,360 on Tactile Ground Surface Indicators. These are the most recent cost estimates based on the scheme design.

Concerned for safety of children crossing as cars don’t wait

This project aims to address the primary concern of drivers not stopping at the pedestrian crossing. We anticipate the raised crossing will improve safety by encouraging lower speeds and will also raise crossing pedestrians to eye-level of approaching drivers, making pedestrians more visible.

Concerned with the narrowness of Litten Road, as it becomes one lane when cars park on both sides

Litten Road is around 9 metres wide. A road that is 6.8 metres wide can fit parking on both sides and a single 2.8-metre travel lane. This is wide enough for emergency service vehicles. We can see that parked vehicles on both sides can mean there’s only one travel lane. However, there is still room to pass using the clear space near driveways. A road that appears narrow can also encourage people to drive slower. This can improve road safety.

Cost:

Requesting cost estimate or a cost-benefit analysis

This project is being funded through our Community Initiated Engineering Programme. We assess all proposed projects before ranking the sites based on their safety and operational issues. The improvements at these crossing have been prioritised as part of this programme and is considered low cost, low risk.

This project is considered low cost, low risk. The Engineer’s cost estimate for this project is $272,543 (including 30% contingency). These are the most recent cost estimates based on the scheme design.

Location:

Suggest relocating the crossing to where the roundabout is at the intersection of Alexander Street, Avoca Road and Advene Road

The Litten Road project has been prioritised independently based on safety and operational issues.

Auckland Transport have recently carried out improvements at the Alexander Street, Avoca Road and Advene Road intersection, including the installation of a new roundabout and upgraded kerb ramps. These changes have been effective in reducing vehicle speeds and addressing cross-intersection conflicts, making it safer for all road users. Please be assured that we are actively monitoring the performance of these improvements.

We’re proposing improvements in your area

There is a high pedestrian demand originating from 2 schools in the area, Howick College and Cockle Bay School, as well as the nearby local shops, Paparoa Park, and a rugby club. The proposed changes will encourage slower speeds and improve pedestrian safety, especially for children using Litten Road.

We’re proposing to upgrade the existing pedestrian crossing outside 9 Litten Road to a raised zebra crossing.

We’re proposing to:

  • Install a raised platform: a speed bump that is flat and wide, with a gradual slope at one end. This makes it more comfortable for larger vehicles and their passengers, such as buses and people using public transport.
  • Rebuild the footpath near the crossing.
  • Add new tactile pavers, which are yellow paving markers that guide people to the crossing and safely across the road.
  • Add a pedestrian island in the middle of the raised crossing, to break up the journey and help make it safer to cross the road.
  • Relocated signs and kerb line.

Download the proposal drawing for Litten Road (PDF 1.76MB)

Project benefits

This project aims to improve safety and visibility. We want to work with you to deliver safer roads in your neighbourhood. These changes would:

  • Slow motorists to a safer speed.
  • Raise pedestrians crossing the road, especially children, to the eye level of approaching motorists, making them easier to see.
  • Make it more comfortable for everyone, including people with prams and wheelchairs, to cross the road, as the crossing is level with the footpath.

More information

This proposal is funded by the Auckland regional fuel tax.

Howick: 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 Litten 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).