Taka St, Takanini – Peak time restrictions and broken yellow lines Taka St, Takanini – Peak time restrictions and broken yellow lines
Proposal status: closed 17 July 2018
Reference number: RTV-165
We're proposing changes in your area
We are proposing to install no stopping at peak time restrictions on Taka Street, Takanini from 7am to 10am, and 4pm to 7pm Monday to Friday. The proposed changes also include an extension of broken yellow lines from 5 Taka Street up to the new peak time restrictions, and at the intersection of Taka Street and Takanini Road. The existing taxi bay will be relocated to 2 Taka Street.
Download the proposal drawing for Taka Street (PDF 251KB)
Why the changes are needed
The proposed changes aim to reduce congestion westbound toward the Taka Street/Great South Road intersection, especially for vehicles turning left and heading straight through, by retaining the width of the road during peak times when traffic is heaviest.
Proposal outcome
This project will proceed with changes to the next stage of detailed planning. Based on the feedback received, we have revised our proposal and we are now looking to reducing the peak time restrictions to the AM peak period (7am to 10am) only. A summary of the community feedback we received and answers to questions and concerns is below.
Feedback received
- Suggestion that the only reason congestion is an issue on Taka Street is because of the trucks off-loading cars into the car yard during peak hours, therefore blocking the road and causing a backlog of traffic. Regarding the issue of trucks parking to off-load cars into the car yard, the proposal only applies to peak times to alleviate congestion. We believe that it will put an end to the trucks being able to park on the road during the busiest periods. We prioritise traffic flow over parking demand during the peak period. Besides that, there is no restriction on the northern side of Taka Street, and we expect that peak time parking is fulfilled using the existing parking zones and off-street parking on the north side of Taka Street.
- Air Stewards were parking their cars on Taka Street for up to 5 days at a time which contributed to congestion, but they have since started parking elsewhere which has improved the flow of traffic. Therefore, the restrictions are not necessary. We conducted site visits on 20 April 2018, 30 May 2018 and 01 June 2018 at morning peak time to confirm the congestion issue in this street during peak times. We acknowledge the local knowledge of residents, but even one parked vehicle on the southern side of the street will cause traffic congestion and cause queueing back up to Takanini Road. We expect that by freeing up the south side of Taka Street we will be able to increase the capacity for this section during the peak periods up to 100%.
- The proposed no stopping at peak time restrictions are currently where staff and family members park for the Takanini Lodge - a residential care facility. These restrictions will affect the resident family members, many of whom are elderly and unable to walk far. Regarding the parking issue, the proposal only applies to peak times. We prioritise traffic flow over parking demand during the peak period. Besides that there is no restriction on the northern side of Taka Street, and we expect that peak time parking is fulfilled using the existing parking zones and off-street parking on the north side of Taka Street.
- Additional parking should be created at the train station, as commuters often park on Taka Street, adding to the congestion during peak times. As this request does not relate directly to this proposal, we have passed this on to AT Metro who will consider this additional parking request.
- Suggests imposing restrictions on large trucks turning onto Taka Street, as the street is too narrow to accommodate them and there have been many near misses with other vehicles. The trucks turning on to Taka Street often cause congestion as they block all lanes when manoeuvring. It has been suggested that trucks use Glenora Road instead, as an alternate route. Taka Street is a Secondary Arterial Road. It is an appropriate route for trucks to use. It is also best placed as a connection to the Takanini Interchange. Glenora Road is a Local Road, which is not considered as an appropriate truck alternative route. The clearway proposal will provide additional road width, which improves traffic flow during the peak times.
- Suggestion that the signs will not help resolve the issues, and the proposed changes will only hinder residents. This proposal aims to increase the road capacity for Taka St westbound by up to 100% between Takanini Road and Great South road during the peak periods. We expect to improve congestion for westbound traffic at Taka street, especially for those turning left and through at Taka Street/Great South road intersection by retaining the width of the road during the peak hours where traffic is at its worst.
Next steps
This work will happen between July 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.