Hayfield Way, Karaka – Pedestrian Improvements Hayfield Way, Karaka – Pedestrian Improvements

Proposal status: Feedback closed

Reference number: MIP2021-022

Proposal update

In March 2023 we invited community feedback on our proposal improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in your area. We advised you that these works were scheduled to be constructed by mid-2023 to mid-2024.

Construction is now planned for March and April 2024.

We are installing a new raised zebra crossing on Hayfield Way near the roundabout and Te Ipukai Drive.

More Information

This project is funded by the Auckland regional fuel tax.


Proposal outcome

In March 2023, we proposed changes to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility at Hayfield Way, Karaka. After reviewing all the feedback we received, we are proceeding with the work as proposed.

These works will help support Tāmaki Makaurau’s Vision Zero goal.

What happens next

We anticipate the changes will be constructed between mid-2023 and mid-2024. We will be in touch with local residents and businesses prior to any construction taking place.

Download drawing of proposed works at Hayfield Way (PDF 967KB).

Community feedback

Thank you for helping us make better decisions for your neighbourhood, informed by your local knowledge. The following is a summary of your feedback and our responses to community questions.

Congestion

Community feedback: Concerned that the raised crossing would only exacerbate the issue with grid locking the street as the school traffic peaks twice a day turning a 3-minute drive into 20 minutes

Our response: Raised crossings have proven to be an effective way of slowing down vehicles which research shows greatly reduces the chances of a pedestrian being killed or seriously injured in the event of a crash. Our experience shows that traffic calming on local roads such as this does not increase congestion. The impact of reduced speeds is expected to significantly improve pedestrian safety and have a minimal impact on overall journey times.

Broken Yellow Lines

Community feedback: Concerned that none of the school traffic pay any attention to the existing yellow lines so painting more will make no difference. Residents already leave cars illegally on the street and place a road cone next to it.

Our response: The most effective way to address illegal parking is with assistance from the public reporting the matter as and when it is happening. Please contact our Parking Compliance Department on (09) 355 3553 whenever you face an illegal parking issue.

Parking

Community feedback: Suggest providing more parking spaces, not less. Parking is already minimal and there is no bus service to the area so how are people supposed to visit or get here?

Our response: We understand that on-street parking is a valuable amenity for residents and visitors using Hayfield Way. Therefore, we have limited parking restrictions to only what is required to ensure that pedestrians have adequate visibility of approaching vehicles to be able to safely cross the road.

Cost

Community feedback: Concerned that it is a complete waste of money for no tangible benefit.

Our response: The area of Karaka is a fast-developing area and has seen an increase in foot traffic over the past years. The proposal will increase safety for all road users by reducing the speed of vehicles approaching the roundabout, and by providing pedestrians with priority to cross the road, especially school children from ACG Strathallan.


We're proposing improvements in your area

We would like to work with you to deliver safer roads in your neighbourhood. The key issue that needs addressing is the lack of a safe pedestrian crossing facility on Hayfield Way, near ACG Strathallan school, in an area with growing pedestrian demand. Karaka is a fast-developing area and has seen an increase in foot traffic over the past years.

We are proposing to:

  • Install a new raised zebra crossing on Hayfield Way near the roundabout and Te Ipukai Drive.
  • Install tactile pavers on both ends of the raised zebra crossing. These are yellow guidance paving markers that help visually impaired people to find their way to crossings and safely across roads.
  • Remove the existing kerb ramp outside 51 Hayfield Way and install a new kerb ramp crossing further away from the roundabout. This is a sloped section of footpath with tactile pavers which allows people to move easily between the footpath and the road.
  • Paint broken yellow lines at the intersections for better visibility.
  • Modify the shape of the existing tear-shaped roundabout to a standard roundabout. This would make it easier and safer for drivers as they travel through the intersection.

Download the proposal drawing for Hayfield Way (PDF 628KB) 

This upgrade would provide a safer place for people to cross the road outside ACG Strathallan School, as it would:

  • slow motorists to a safer speed
  • raise pedestrians, especially children, crossing the road to be at 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.

These improvements would remove 4 on-street parking spaces. We understand the removal of parking can be inconvenient, so we have minimised it as much as possible while still creating a safer road and crossing facilities for pedestrians.

More information

This proposal is funded by the Auckland regional fuel tax.

Karaka: 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 Hayfield Way 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).