Airfield Road/Takanini School Road pedestrian facility upgrades
Thank you for helping us make better decisions for your neighbourhood, informed by your local knowledge. In early March 2026, we engaged with the community regarding proposed pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of Takanini School Road and Airfield Road. The proposal includes the installation of new splitter islands with pram crossings on the Airfield Road at its intersection with Takanini School Road, as well as side islands with pram crossings on Takanini School Road.
Community Feedback
Community feedback discussed benefits, concerns and suggestions for the project.
People told us:
Safe pedestrian crossings are urgently needed on Airfield Road / Takanini School Road, especially for children travelling to and from Takanini School.
The proposed safety improvements generally meet community needs and align with long‑standing concerns about children’s safety at these intersections.
The changes are necessary, particularly at peak traffic times when crossing is most difficult due to heavy traffic volumes.
People also shared concerns regarding the proposal, including:
Removal of car parking - Three on-street car parks on Takanini School Road are proposed for removal. Residents raised concerns that existing school pick-up behaviours already cause driveway obstruction, and that removing parks could make this worse.
AT advised that the proposed removal of parking is necessary to ensure adequate sightlines at the new and upgraded crossing points. Keeping the area clear of parked vehicles improves safety by allowing pedestrians and drivers to see each other in advance of the crossing.
Speeding following raised crossing removal - It was noted by residents that traffic speeds on Takanini School Road have increased since the raised crossing was removed.
This matter is unrelated to the project and instead concerns the table that was recently removed outside the school. AT advised that the raised table was removed at the request of Takanini School due to vibration issues. To mitigate the impact, they have widened the central median to reduce lane widths and encourage slower speeds. AT will monitor the site and investigate additional measures if necessary.
Vibration issues - Heavy vehicle movements on Takanini School Road cause noticeable vibration in nearby houses and ongoing kerb damage.
The route of Takanini School Road-Airfield Road is classed as an arterial route. In addition, the section of Takanini School Road between Manuroa Road and Popes Road is a designated overdimensional route with commercial land use located to the north. These routes are expected to carry heavy vehicles, given the local network road class, designation and nearby land use.
People also had suggestions regarding the proposal, including:
Side island request – One resident requested for adding side islands to all proposed pram crossings.
AT confirmed that pram crossings are proposed at all locations labelled 1. Where side islands have not been included, this is because there is insufficient space to accommodate large vehicle turning movements alongside a side island.
Walking routes to the train station – One resident noted that walking routes to the train station currently lack a safe crossing and would like to see changes proposed soon.
AT are happy to advise that a number of other improvements are planned in the Takanini area as part of the Level Crossing Removal Programme.
Engagement Outcome
We want to thank the community in the project area for their feedback. After carefully reviewing the feedback we received, we are proceeding with the project as proposed.
We expect to have these changes implemented in 2026/2027.
We’ll be in touch with residents in the affected work areas before construction begins.
About the project
Improving pedestrian safety at Airfield Road and Takanini School Road
Airfield Road and Takanini School Road are well used by people walking in the Takanini area, including families, school children, and people using prams or mobility aids. At the moment, some pedestrian crossings are missing, which makes it harder and less safe to move between footpaths and cross the road.
There are also issues with larger vehicles turning at the intersection, which has led to damage to the kerb and the splitter island. To help improve safety and make the area easier to get around on foot, we’re planning some upgrades at this intersection and nearby.
What we’re planning to do in 2026/2027
We’re proposing a number of small but important improvements to make walking safer and smoother:
Build a new central pedestrian island on Airfield Road, with pram crossings and tactile paving to help people cross safely.
Adjust the kerb on the northern corner of the intersection so vehicles can turn more easily and avoid damaging the kerb.
Add new side islands and pram crossings with tactile paving on Takanini School Road on both sides of Airfield Road.
Install a new pram crossing with tactile paving on Takanini School Road at the northern leg of the Taka Street/Kauri Heart Avenue roundabout.
Remove nine on-street parking spaces to make room for these safety improvements.
You can see what these changes look like in the plan below.
How this will benefit your neighbourhood
These changes are designed to support safer, more comfortable travel for people of all ages and abilities.
Makes it easier and safer for people to cross the road, including those with prams, wheelchairs, or mobility aids.
Improves connections between existing footpaths, helping people get where they need to go on foot.
Supports people with visual impairments using tactile paving at crossings.
Reduces kerb damage by improving how vehicles move through the intersection, helping keep the area well maintained.
