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Oteha Valley Road, Albany - Pedestrian crossing with traffic signals Oteha Valley Road, Albany - Pedestrian crossing with traffic signals

Proposal status: Feedback closed 25 October 2019, last updated 24 December 2019.

Reference number: MIP1819-070

We've proposed changes in your area

In October 2019, we proposed a new pedestrian crossing with traffic signals near the Mitre 10 at 260 Oteha Valley Road in Albany. Our proposal is one of several initiatives to improve road safety and pedestrian facilities along Oteha Valley Road.

Our proposal included:

  • A new pedestrian crossing with traffic signals located where there is high demand for people to cross the road.
  • New pram crossings and protective fencing around the crossing facility.
  • New bus stop markings and broken yellow line parking restrictions to make it safer for buses to enter and exit the stops.
  • A new cycle ramp and green cycle box markings linking to the existing on-road cycle lanes between Cornerstone Drive and Munroe Lane.
  • Some tree trimming to make sure the new pedestrian crossing is visible to approaching drivers.

Download the proposal drawing for Oteha Valley Road (PDF 2MB)

Why the changes are needed

Our proposal responded to significant community concerns regarding the safety of those travelling through this area and is one of several similar road safety projects. Construction will begin soon on installing traffic signals at the intersection of Oteha Valley Road and Harrowglen Drive.

We are also making progress with upgrades to Medallion Drive Link, providing safe travel routes from Fairview Avenue through to Oteha Valley Road.

Proposal outcome

The proposed changes will proceed to the next stage of detailed planning before being constructed. 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

  • Respondents supported the proposal as this particular stretch of road is unsafe for pedestrians and these works would improve the situation.
    Thank you for your feedback, we are pleased to hear that you believe this project will improve road safety on Oteha Valley Road.
  • Respondents did not believe the proposal would improve pedestrian safety.
    The current environment for pedestrians is considered unsafe, as people have to cross multiple lanes carrying approximately 24,000 vehicles per day. There have been 3 fatal crashes on this road in the past 3 years. As there are no pedestrian facilities on this stretch of Oteha Valley Road, our proposed crossing with traffic signals will certainly constitute an improvement to the safety of people travelling on Oteha Valley Road.
  • Respondents suggested that the issue could be solved by educating pedestrians.  
    We already have numerous educational programmes underway at Auckland Transport, including Walking School Buses and road safety community education, which are helping to keep people safe when they’re travelling around Auckland.
  • Respondents suggested that this proposal did not go far enough to address cyclist safety issues on this section of road.
    There is an existing shared path on the northern side of Oteha Valley Road, which cyclists can use to travel this length of road.
  • Respondents requested that a shared path is installed under the existing bridges on the south side of Lucas Creek to connect to existing infrastructure, such as the two existing walking and cycling areas east and west of the motorway, the ‘new proposed north south track’, and Albany Bus station.  
    This area is managed and operated by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and therefore is outside of Auckland Transport’s control. This feedback has been forwarded to NZTA for their consideration.
  • Respondents raised concerns about the proximity of the advance stop box to the Mitre 10 Carpark entrance.
    Traffic modelling has been undertaken to ascertain the impact of the pedestrian signals on the Mitre 10 car park entrance. This modelling has shown there is minor impact. We will however monitor queues on the approach to the signals which may impact this entrance in the future. As part of this proposal, a CCTV camera will also be installed and we can use footage to determine mitigation measures, if required.
  • Respondents requested that the existing cycle lanes are protected by rubber mats and planters similar to Federal Street.
    The rubber mats and planters referred to are not considered appropriate on Oteha Valley Road due to the high operating speeds and the type of vehicles that use Oteha Valley Road. As mentioned earlier, there is an existing cycling facility on the northern side of Oteha Valley Road which cyclists can use to travel this length of road.
  • Respondents requested increased signage and markings on all nearby shared paths and wide footpaths, warning drivers of cyclists as well as marking the path as a cycle route.
    We are installing new signs and road markings that are related to the signalised crossing. The maintenance and renewal of other signs in the area will be undertaken when required.
  • Respondents requested that the footpath from opposite the Oteha Valley Road Extension to Dairy Flat Highway is widened and made into a shared path.
    There are currently no plans to widen the footpath to create a shared path along the section of Oteha Valley Road referred to.
  • Respondents requested that speed management treatments are implemented, including painted green sections, on each intersection between Mitre 10 and Dairy Flat Highway, to slow down cars coming off a fast road onto a side road.
    Speed management measures in the form of a speed limit change is being implemented on Oteha Valley Road where the speed limit is being reduced from 60 km per hour to 50 km per hour as part of the Speed Limit Bylaw 2019. In regard to physical speed calming measures, we generally do not install speed tables or speed humps on such busy roads unless there is a significant safety issue related to speed, or we are trying to slow drivers on the approach to an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing.
  • Respondents raised concerns about the shared path opposite Mitre 10, as it stops abruptly with a full kerb and cyclists are directed onto an unprotected path on the road.
    In the vicinity of the proposed pedestrian crossing, there are options available to cyclists such as continuing on the footpath if deemed safer or cycling through Hooton Reserve.

Next steps

These works are planned before 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.