Birdwood Road, Helvetia Road and Kauri Road Intersection Safety Improvements

We’re planning improvements to make the intersection at Birdwood Road and Helvetia Road safer. These changes will encourage everyone to drive at safer and more suitable speeds.

We will: 

• install a new pedestrian island outside 128 Helvetia Road with tactile pavers and a lowered kerb crossing for people with prams, wheelchairs or mobility aids
• install broken yellow lines (no stopping at all times) around the intersection
• install a new traffic island at the southeast corner of the intersection, aligned with a new kerbline
• paint 'SLOW' on the road and put in '50 Pukekohe' signs on the north end of Helvetia Road to reinforce appropriate speeds
• rebuild the footpath and grass berm
• remove 5 parking spaces on the south end of Helvetia Road.

Why these changes are needed

Between 2019 and 2023, there were four injury crashes at the Birdwood Road, Helvetia Road, and Kauri Road intersection. Last year, there was another crash that resulted in minor injuries.

The analysis showed these crashes often involved drivers approaching the intersection too quickly and losing control or failing to give way.

In response, we’re proposing upgrades at this intersection to encourage motorists to slow down, improve driver awareness and to make it safer for everyone.