What work is being completed?
Fulton Hogan have been contracted to construct a roundabout at the busy four-way intersection at Moxham Avenue, Hataitai Road and Waitoa Road. Legal road marking and signs were approved through the SPC with a formal Traffic Resolution in December 2020.
When will the work on the roundabout happen?
The work will start around 14 June and we expect it to take approximately three months.
Wasn’t this supposed to start 17 May/Why is there a delay?
In order for us to minimise disruption of roadworks, and to maximise parking during construction, we have had to delay the start date for this project to give us time to develop the traffic management plan further.
Why is this work being done?
To improve safety. This intersection has seen several crashes and near misses. In September 2018, Council sought feedback from the public on a proposal to place traffic lights at this intersection to improve safety, particularly for pedestrians. Council had great engagement with the 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, witnessing or being aware of crashes or near misses at the intersection, only 32% supported the installation of traffic lights. Council concluded that based on a high percentage of concerns received regarding the safety at the intersection, there was a definite mandate to make safety improvements, but traffic lights weren’t the preferred solution. Council officers have now considered other options based on the submissions received, and have selected a preferred option, this being a roundabout.
Are there any road closures?
Yes; there will be road closure on Waitoa Road East during the construction phase to facilitate road works and to manage the other lane closures and these will be managed by temporary traffic signal. Parking will be reinstated on Waitoa Road East once this side has been constructed.
Will the works go ahead in bad weather?
In the event of unsuitable weather the construction work may be postponed or delayed. We will advise you of any changes as soon as possible.
Will this work impact current pedestrian access?
During the construction period, pedestrian and parking access will be restricted. On-site signage will be in place to help direct pedestrians and cyclists to an alternative route.
Is there going to be a loss of any parks permanently?
Yes. All options for consideration include the loss of some carparks. The roundabout option involves relocating the pedestrian crossings further away from the intersection to maximise pedestrian safety and cannot be achieved without losing several car parks.
Why can we not try changing the Give Way 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 at this intersection, speed of vehicles and high numbers of pedestrians crossing to and from busses 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 around the roundabout?
We have consulted with Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) and the bus tracking movements through the proposed intersection layout have been taken into account in the design. The buses will, on the right-hand turn from Waitoa Road to Moxham Avenue, mount the outside perimeter of the central island of the roundabout. GWRC are comfortable with this. This is similar to other intersections in the city.
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 significantly reduce any perceived risk to pedestrians?
Yes. The relocation of the zebra crossings and the roundabout will improve safety for pedestrians and all road users at this intersection.
Why has the use of traffic lights been discounted?
The results from our previous survey indicated that 59% were opposed to signals. We have considered the public opinion and installing a roundabout instead.
How strong is the push from the community for this change?
Relatively strong; only 13% of those surveyed responded that no change was necessary.
I live nearby and am expecting a parcel/taxi/rideshare/trade-person during construction, will I still be able to receive it?
If you are expecting a parcel/taxi/rideshare/tradesperson to arrive when contractors are working, please let the contractor know and they will do their best to ensure that they can reach your property.
I live nearby, will there be a lot of noise during the construction?
While there will always be noise during construction, we aim to complete the maintenance with minimal disruption to the local community. Work hours will generally be Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. There may be a need to carry out weekend work as activities dictate.
When will the work be finished?
The work is planned to take 3 months.
Will my rubbish and recycling still be collected during construction?
Yes, please put your rubbish and recycling bins out as normal and we will ensure the collectors can get through.
I’ve heard that there is going to be artwork on the roundabout/Is there anything additional happening to the roundabout or surrounding areas/this roundabout won’t look nice etc?
We are working with a local artist to create a pattern to be etched into the concrete on top of the roundabout. There will also be some garden beds planted in the area.