Skip to main content

Sandspit, Sharp and Mahurangi East Roads, Sandspit - Intersection improvements Sandspit, Sharp and Mahurangi East Roads, Sandspit - Intersection improvements

Proposal status: Feedback closed 9 June 2020 | Last updated 16 December 2020

Reference number: RSR1920-089

Proposal outcome

In June 2020 we proposed changes to improve road safety by removing the left turn slip road between Sandspit Road and Sharp Road in Sandspit. After reviewing all the feedback, we have decided not to proceed with the proposed works.

We have listened to community feedback and have decided that this proposal will not proceed to the next stage of detailed planning.

With the Emergency Budget coming into effect in, a review of the Road Safety Programme has not prioritised this project. As this proposal was an interim intervention there was further investigation required for a potential longer-term outcome. A large amount of the feedback that we received indicated that a roundabout would be a preferred option. On this basis AT will look to commence the investigation into the long-term solution. The feedback received from this proposal will be considered when any future proposal is designed.

Feedback received

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.

  • Suggestions to lower the speed limit. The speed limit was reduced to 80kph as part of the AT Speed Limit Bylaw on 30th June 2020. 
  • Suggestion for speed cameras to enforce current speed limit. Speed cameras are an enforcement matter and are determined by NZ Police
  • Suggestion of funding an educational programme for safe driving. There are a number of programmes that AT run around driver education and behaviour which supplement the Road Safety Engineering programme
  • Query how there can be greater enforcement of the stop sign. Enforcement sits with NZ Police. We can look at upgrading the current road markings to thermoplastic road markings to make them clearer when designing the long-term solution.
  • Request to make the road no overtaking with double white lines. There are already no overtaking lines on the approach to the intersection from Warkworth and Snells Beach.
  • Request to create a left and right turn lane at the Sharp Road intersection. There is not enough room for two lanes exiting the intersection. If two lanes were created, the visibility of left turning vehicles could be impeded by cars waiting to turn right.
  • Request for a convex mirror facing Sharp Road. AT do not implement convex mirrors on the public road network as they have been found to be ineffective and sometimes unsafe. This is due to the mirrors often giving a false sense of distance and oncoming vehicle speeds.
  • Request to change the give way sign to a STOP sign (from Sandspit direction turning right towards Warkworth). The existing give way sign is consistent with NZTAs Manual of Traffic Signs and Markings (MOTSAM) which notes that STOP signs should only be used where visibility is restricted at the intersection.

We're proposing changes in your area

We are proposing to remove the left turn slip road between Sandspit Road and Sharp Road in Sandspit. This area has been identified as a site for safety improvements based on serious injury collisions related to right turn manoeuvres at the intersection. The proposed changes are intended to prevent future accidents by reducing speeds through the intersection and making it easier for vehicles turning right out of Sandspit Road to see oncoming traffic.

Changes proposed on Sandspit Road

We are proposing to:

  • Remove the left turn slip road by extending out the kerb line. This is intended to slow traffic speed through the intersection and make it safer for people turning right out of Sandspit Road.
  • Paint appropriate road markings to guide people through the intersection more efficiently.
  • Install new signage to make people aware of the intersection and road curvature.

Changes proposed on Sharp Road

We are proposing to:

  • Install a stop sign in a new grass berm at the junction and a chevron “T-intersection” board opposite the junction to increase awareness of the upcoming intersection.
  • Paint appropriate road markings, including extending out the stopping line, to improve visibility at the junction.

This project is supported by the regional fuel tax fund.

Download the proposal drawing for Sandspit, Sharp and Mahurangi East Roads (PDF 1.3MB)

Sandspit: 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 Sandspit 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).