Improving crossing safety on Barbados Drive in Unsworth Heights

Construction Update

Construction for this project is currently in progress.

Stage 1 works that include stormwater upgrades and the installation of pram crossings were completed on 2 April 2026.

Due to wet weather, the timing for the remaining works has changed. Stage 2 works will now run day and night, from 9pm Friday 10 April until 5am Monday 13 April.

We’ll update this webpage if there are any changes to the construction schedule.

Please follow traffic management rules and plan ahead.

Download work notification letter with detour map here

How to contact us

For queries or concerns about this project:

Email: info@at.govt.nz (Include reference: Barbados Drive Crossing)

Phone: 09 355 3553

For construction-related concerns:

Name: Arnel Agor

Email: arnel@agileinfrastructure.co.nz

Phone: 021 223 0678

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Engagement Outcome

Thank you to everyone who reached out with questions and shared their insights on the planned crossing on Barbados Drive.

The engagement for this project has finished. We are proceeding with the changes as planned.

We received a small number of comments and insights from the community. We've summarised the most common concern and below is our response:

Concerns about having a raised crossing

• The raised crossing is designed to slow vehicles on approach, to make it safer for all road users, especially people walking and cycling. Speed counts showed that cars were traveling too fast along this section of road, which is why extra measures were needed. We looked at other options, but they didn’t reduce speeds enough to make the crossing safe. Safety is the heart of this project, and this design is the most reliable option for people crossing the road.

About the project

We’re responding to safety concerns from the community about the lack of safe crossing facilities on Barbados Drive in Unsworth Heights.

Thanks to the Upper Harbour Local Board Transport Capital Fund, the new crossing facilities will prioritise people crossing to access the Barbados Reserve and the nearby retirement village.

The changes we’re making by March 2026

• Upgrade the existing crossing island outside Barbados Reserve to a paired raised crossing to slow drivers on approach. A paired crossing will have a zebra crossing and a green cycle lane to give priority to people walking and cycling when crossing the road.
• Install new streetlight poles so people crossing are easier for motorists to see, especially at night
• Install tactile pavers which are yellow guidance markers at the crossing points to help vision impaired people cross the road safely
• Rebuild the footpath on both sides of the crossing to provide more room and a safe area to wait before crossing the road
• Paint additional no stopping at all times (broken yellow lines) approaching bus stop 3657 to improve visibility for both buses and motorists and lead in and lead out markings to allow smooth bus entry and exit. Additionally, this bus stop will have the concrete platform extended to make it easier for people to get on and off the bus, including our customers with strollers and those who need extra help getting around.
• Upgrade bus stop 3816 by extending its concrete platform and clarifying its lead in and out markings for a smoother bus entry and exit
• Install new signs and road markings so drivers know they are approaching a crossing and need to slow down. ‘BUS STOP’ road markings will also be painted at both stops.
• Upgrade existing and construct additional stormwater infrastructure to accommodate any further drainage requirements for the new raised crossing

Benefits to your community

• Improves safety for everyone with different accessibility needs to safely cross Barbados Drive and access nearby amenities
• Encourages drivers to slow down and take extra care when approaching the crossing and improves visibility between motorists and people crossing the road
• Walking is good for the environment and good for your health. It helps reduce reliance on cars for local trips, decreasing traffic congestion and reducing our carbon emissions.
• New road markings and signs clarify right of way, improve safety by minimising risk of collisions, and ensures compliance with traffic regulations.