5 minute read
Transport
North Harbour route optimisation
Sarah de Zwart is BNH’s transport and relationship manager. As part of her regular contact with Auckland Transport (AT), she provides details of traffic area hotspots and members’ concerns. What follows is a summary of Sarah’s recent report and AT’s responses.
Left-turning vehicles from Constellation onto East Coast Road are unable to move left into the double lanes ahead due to the derelict section of T2 lane. This causes unnecessary queues behind rightturning traffic onto East Coast Road from Constellation.
BNH’s comments to AT
Recommendation: Change the T2 section of Constellation from Apollo Drive to East Coast Road into a clearway.
AT’s response
The guiding principle for Constellation Drive is people movement, which justifies the rationale for the Special Vehicle Lane (T2 in this case). There is high frequency of buses using this corridor, especially during peak periods. Reverting down to a clearway /general traffic lane would be going against the guiding principle. Notwithstanding this, we have passed your concerns on to ATOC (Auckland Transport Operations Centre) to investigate if any changes can be made with respect to signal phasing and timing.
BNH’s Response
We have asked to re-review, reminding AT that the T2 does not continue onto East Coast Road, therefore from Apollo Drive it is rendered obsolete.
Bush Road, turning left onto Albany Expressway
Left-turning vehicles are stuck behind the straight-ahead and rightturning vehicles.
BNH’s comments to AT
Recommendation: Start the divide earlier for the left lane by utilising the spare land. Review: The traffic signal lights for the intersection with right-turning and straight-ahead traffic.
AT’s response
The topography of Bush Road is not conducive to utilising the adjacent spare land for additional carriageway, in this case the left-turn lane. In addition to retaining walls, service and light pole relocations, significant geotechnical testing will also need to be undertaken to confirm feasibility of this option. Hence, because of the associated costs and uncertainties, this would not be a typical “low cost, low risk” intervention funded by the Optimisation programme.
BNH’s Response
Ramp Road and Sunset Road intersection
Left-turning vehicles are held up in the build-up of vehicles turning right. Cars are resorting to turning left and performing U-turns.
BNH’s comments to AT
Recommendation: Clearway on the eastern side from 3.00 pm (rather than 4.00 pm). Review: Roundabout on the corner of Ramp, Sunset and Sycamore Roads.
AT’s response
There is an existing proposal to signalise this intersection. During investigation we came across some geotechnical issues that needed further investigation. We are waiting on the final outcome of the geotechnical investigation before we can make any improvements.
Constellation Drive and Parkway Drive intersection (eastern end)
Right-turning traffic is unable to move onto the busy arterial route as cars are either moving too fast to merge or ignore the keep clear road markings when the traffic is queueing.
BNH’s comments to AT
Recommendation: Add cross-hatching road marking. Review: The intersection.
AT’s response
Merit in progressing this further. Your request has been passed onto Traffic Engineering for further investigation.
T2 lane usage across the North Harbour district
Increased driver knowledge of the T2 lanes. Drivers are unsure when they can use the lanes, which causes unnecessary erratic lane changing.
BNH’s comments to AT
Recommendation: A dual targeted approach with:
Driver education with temporary street signage to remind drivers they can use the lanes outside the recorded hours. Media promotion.
AT’s response
Apollo Drive, Omega Street, Corinthian Drive
Due to the area being at full occupational capacity, combined with high congestion, BNH has safety concerns for our members exiting their premises. This is due to cars parking over driveways, thereby limiting visibility and access. In addition to the ongoing speeding concerns.
BNH’s comments to AT
Recommendation: Implementation of speed reduction techniques (speed humps or similar). Recommendation: Hockey stick road markings on the designated streets.
AT’s response
Passed onto Traffic Engineering for further investigation.
Constellation Drive between Ascension Place and Apollo Drive
The two streets are just over 100 metres apart. In peak times, members report that it is hard to pull out from Ascension into the single lane on Constellation and then move back again to turn left onto Apollo.
BNH’s comments to AT
Recommendation: Removal of the T2 lane. Alternatively, exempt ticketing for the vehicles pulling out of Ascension Place and indicating to turn left into Apollo.
AT’s response
This request is still to be reviewed by AT.
Rose Garden Apartments, Don McKinnon Drive
Dual carriageway confusion with vehicles turning right onto a one-way road.
BNH’s comments to AT
Recommendation: Better signage.
AT’s response
Merit in progressing this further. Your request has been passed onto Traffic Engineering for further investigation.
Update: This has now been completed.
60-80 Paul Matthews Road
Members have expressed safety concerns when crossing the busy road.
BNH’s comments to AT
Recommendation: Pedestrian refuge or crossing (working in with the Northern Corridor Improvement developments).
AT’s response
Thanks for your feedback on this. We have added this to our list of projects for on-site observations once the lockdown has been lifted. Following on-site observations, a decision will be made regarding progressing this project further.
Good news!
We are pleased to announce from BNH’s2018 request for AT to review the Parkway Drive/Ramp Road intersection, that works will be completed between June and August 2020. These include increased berm and a pedestrian refuge for safer crossing.
Do you have a concern about a local traffic area hotspot? Please contact sarah@businessnh.org.nz with details of other North Harbour locations you would like investigated.
Cyclists enjoy quieter roads
During Alert Levels 4 and Level 3, many Kiwis took advantage of the reduced traffic to dig out their bicycles and pedal around the block for their daily dose of fresh air. Increased footpath and cycle lane width is likely to continue to be reviewed if working patterns change and cycling retains its current popularity as a mode of transport.
As well as sharing maps of Auckland’s cycleways, rides and shared paths, AT’s website also has some advice about choosing a bike, and various security and storage tips, including how to find and record your bike’s security number.
Visit at.govt.nz/cycling-walking/advice-support to learn more.
NZTA: Northern Corridor Improvement
Work has started to extend Paul Matthews Road and shift it to join a new Caribbean Drive intersection. A shared walking and cycling path will also be constructed along the new section of the road.
Construction will take place in stages during the day and sometimes at night, and people will notice some changes to the Caribbean Drive intersection. The upgraded intersection and new Paul Matthews Road are on track to be mostly completed by the end of the year.
Then in early 2021, work will start on the westbound on-ramp and all eastbound traffic will move on to a new eastbound off-ramp. The aim of this work is to provide better connections to SH1 and SH18 and help to improve journey times in the area.
