Attewell Rd, Waiuku Rd and Patumahoe Rd, Pukekohe - Intersection upgrade Attewell Rd, Waiuku Rd and Patumahoe Rd, Pukekohe - Intersection upgrade
Consultation status: closed 11 April 2018
Proposal reference: RSP1617-001
We are proposing to install a roundabout and upgrade the Attewell Road, Waiuku Road and Patumahoe Road intersection in Pukekohe. The upgrade will include a mountable shoulder, new road markings, new traffic islands, new kerbs and channels, a cycle escape path and pram ramps.
View the consultation drawing for Attewell Rd, Waiuku Rd and Patumahoe Rd (PDF 609KB)
Why the changes are needed
These changes are needed due to limited visibility for drivers on this approach to the intersection. These changes will improve safety at this intersection.
Proposal outcome
This project will proceed with changes to the next stage of detailed planning. These changes will include signage restricting larger vehicles from using engine brakes when approaching the roundabout, as well as to install covers during construction to reduce the lighting glare into adjacent private properties. A summary of the community feedback we received and answers to questions and concerns is below.
Feedback received
- Request to reduce the speed limit to 80km/h from Pune School to Pukekohe. We are currently investigating speed management changes for the Pune Road / Waiuku Road route and the surrounding area, separate from the roundabout. Changes to the speed limits in this area are likely to be included in an update of the Auckland Transport Limits Bylaw when we consult on it toward the end of 2018.
- Reduce the speed limit on Waiuku Road, around the proposed roundabout. A speed limit reduction will not be imposed around the roundabout at this stage, but the roundabout itself will encourage lower speeds because of the longer median islands encouraging motorists to slow down on the approach to the intersection. We anticipate vehicle speeds will reduce to 50km/h when approaching and circulating the roundabout.
- Request for the cycle lanes to go through the roundabout. In order to provide cycle lanes through the roundabout, the roundabout will have to be constructed at different grades, allowing cyclists to either travel above the roundabout or under the roundabout. This will substantially increase the cost of construction. Furthermore, the volume of cyclists travelling through this intersection is relatively low, and we do not recommend providing a cycle lane that goes through the roundabout at this this stage.
- Question about how the cycle escape paths would benefit cyclists going straight through the intersection. The provision of the cycle escape paths is to allow recreational cyclists who cannot ride confidently within the traffic lanes of the roundabout, to disembark from their bicycles and use the cycle escape paths to cross the various lanes of the roundabout.
- There is some concern of the noise of traffic at night for residents near the roundabout. We have carried out noise testing as a result of the proposed roundabout and we have found that there is no significant increase in noise, as the existing intersection already requires vehicles to slow down, stop, and accelerate when travelling through the intersection.
- Request for engine braking restrictions and subsequent signage to be put in place. We agree that there may be more lager vehicles using engine braking, therefore we will install adequate signage to ensure that larger vehicles do not use their engine brakes when travelling through the proposed roundabout.
- No proposed lighting changes have been shown on the drawing, and there is significant concern that any new lighting will invade residences at night. There will be lighting changes at the roundabout to highlight to all road users the presence of the roundabout and to improve the overall safety at the intersection, so we are unable to reduce the recommended lighting for this proposal. However, all lighting poles and luminaires will be directed towards the roundabout and respective approach lanes to the roundabout, which will limit the lighting encroaching into private properties. At this stage, only property 574 Patumahoe Road will have light flowing into the property, however as the property has an existing high fence and is well set back from the intersection, there should be less light affecting it.
- It has been suggested that there is not really a need for pram crossings, as it is a rural area. The proposed pram crossings is to allow cyclists to ride onto the cycle escape paths, if they choose not to travel within the traffic lanes of the roundabout. The pram crossings encourage cyclists to disembark from their bicycles before crossing each leg of the roundabout.
- Request for a large roundabout to accommodate the large trucks in the area. We agree with this request, and we have considered this in the design of the roundabout.
Next steps
This work will happen between November 2018 and June 2019, 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.