Safety improvements coming to busy Waiheke roundabout Safety improvements coming to busy Waiheke roundabout

Safety improvements are coming to the Waiheke roundabout that connects Donald Bruce Road, Alison Road and The Causeway in Surfdale on Waiheke.

Following feedback from the community in May 2020, and a subsequent delay due to the funding impacts of COVID-19, Auckland Transport (AT) is moving ahead to begin works to improve the safety of the busy intersection from Monday 11 April.

“Locals have been raising concerns about the safety of this major intersection for many years. We are particularly worried for those crossing the roads to get to and from school on foot and with bikes. This is a top priority in our 10-year transport plan - so it’s great to works started,”  says Cath Handley, Chair of the Waiheke Local Board.

The works involve installing raised zebra crossings, raised speed tables, new lighting and pedestrian footpaths and crossing points. The changes aim to improve access, encourage lower speeds and improve safety for all people using the intersection, including the many school children and families using these crossings.

The project’s design does not preclude the addition of cycling facilities in future.

Auckland Transport wants to make our roads safe for everyone. Projects like this 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 savings).

Works will begin Monday 11 April and will run daily from 7am until 3pm, for around 16 weeks, COVID-19 delays permitting.

To expedite work, the traffic approaches to the roundabout on all three roads will be controlled by stop/go during project work hours and controlled by traffic lights outside of the project working hours.

There will be temporary lane closures on each end of Donald Bruce and Alison Roads and The Causeway - as the project progresses through its three phases of works. Drivers who live on or use Wilma Road near the roundabout will be able to both enter and exit Wilma Road during all stages of the project.

Residents who drive through Surfdale, or to or from Kennedy Point Ferry Terminal, should please allow extra time as journeys may take longer than usual.