Hataitai intersection

We're recommending a mountable roundabout at a busy four-way intersection in Hataitai Village to address pedestrian safety concerns raised by the community.

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About the project

The Hataitai community raised concerns about the safety of the intersection of Moxham Avenue, Waitoa Road and Hataitai Road following a number of reported crashes and near misses.

Based on community feedback from an initial proposal to install traffic lights at this intersection, we have assessed further options and determined that a mountable roundabout is the preferred way forward.

The proposed mountable roundabout will slow traffic with ‘give way’ controls on each approach.

The current zebra crossings would be relocated a short distance away from the intersection to improve pedestrian and vehicle recognition and ensure vehicles are able to safely stop.

This relocation of the zebra crossing would require removing a total of 13 parking spaces that are currently located on the four roads immediately leading into the intersection.

We're exploring opportunities to provide more short-term parking in the wider vicinity of Hataitai village. We are proposing additional P60 time limited parks when the bus stops are not required and an additional three P60 parks on William Street in the current unrestricted angle parks.

Documents

Hataitai roundabout summary information sheet (505KB PDF)
Summary of options considered (160KB PDF)
Proposed roundabout design (280KB PDF)
Presentation to Hataitai Residents Association - 7 July 2020 (1.2MB PDF)

Hataitai Intersection – Frequently Asked Questions

Why are we losing so many parks?

We have looked at a number of options and all involve the loss of car parks. The roundabout option involves relocating the pedestrian crossings further away from the intersection to maximise pedestrian safety and cannot be achieved without losing a number of car parks.

We will be looking for other opportunities for short-term parking. We are proposing the addition of 3-4 parking spaces after 9am on Hataitai Road when the bus stop is not required and 3-5 time limited (P60) parks on William Street so the overall loss in parks is less than the 13.

Why can we not try changing the Give Ways to Stop signage first?

This option provides some minor safety benefits by reducing driver confusion. However, this option does not provide the pedestrian safety needed on the zebra crossings at the intersection. With the current driver confusion, speed of vehicles and high numbers of pedestrians crossing to and from buses and the shops, merely changing the Give Ways to STOP control is not considered the safest option for pedestrians and vehicles using the intersection.

Will there be enough room for buses to manoeuvre round the roundabout?

We have consulted with Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) and the bus tracking movements with the proposed intersection layout have been taken into account with the design. The buses will, on the right hand turn from Waitoa Road to Moxham Ave, mount the outside perimeter of the central island of the roundabout. GWRC are comfortable with this.

Will the new layout of the intersection delay buses?

Our traffic modelling indicates that improved efficiency will be gained with the roundabout option.

Is there any reduction of current landscaped outdoor seating area?

There will in fact be added area(s) for place making with the proposals.

Will the proposal actually significantly reduce any perceived risk to pedestrians?

Certainly yes. The relocation of the zebra crossings and the roundabout will significantly improve safety for pedestrians and all road users at this intersection.

Why has the use of traffic lights apparently been discounted?

The results from our previous survey indicated that 59 % were opposed to signals and so we have considered the public opinion and revised the intersection improvements.

How strong is the push from the community for this change?

The results from our previous survey indicated that only 13% responded that no change was necessary.

Aerial view of Hataitai intersection with a roundabout draft design on top, and text explaining the improvements proposed.

Proposed roundabout design

Background

In September 2018 we sought feedback from the public on a proposal to place traffic lights at this intersection to improve safety – particularly for pedestrians.

We had great engagement with the Hataitai community, with nearly 800 people, businesses and organisations taking the time to provide a submission on the proposed lights – 82% of these being residents.

While more than half of respondents answered ‘yes’ to having experienced, witnessed or being aware of crashes or near misses at the intersection, only 32% supported the installation of traffic lights.

Results of the engagement were published on the Council website in early November 2018 – see Results of engagement questionnaire proposed traffic lights Hataitai intersection (528KB PDF)

Next steps

Legalise parking changes, ‘give way’ controls and relocation of zebra crossings through a Traffic Resolution to be presented to Councillors at a Strategy and Policy Committee in September 2020.
Develop a detailed design for the construction of the mountable roundabout.
Begin construction of the mountable roundabout in late-2020.

How to get involved

All key stakeholders and those who responded to the previous traffic light survey will receive an email notifying them of the proposed roundabout.

If you wish to make a formal comment to the Council on the proposed roundabout, please email hataitai.intersection@wcc.govt.nz by 24 July 2020.