Birdwood Road, Helvetia Road, and Kauri Road Intersection Safety Improvements

Feedback themes and AT response

Support the proposal

Respondents supported the proposed gateway treatment and pedestrian crossing as necessary improvements to control the traffic flow, provide safe crossing points for vulnerable users and reduce loss-of-control crash risk.

Response:

Thank you for your feedback.

Visibility and maintenance improvements

Some respondents suggested that vegetation on berms should be maintained more frequently to improve visibility. Specific locations mentioned included outside 2 Birdwood Road and 130 Helvetia Road, where respondents noted that trees and vegetation may obstruct visibility of oncoming traffic.

Response:

Thanks for your feedback. An ongoing trimming service will be provided to maintain the visibility. If you notice vegetation that needs attention in future, please let us know by submitting feedback through the AT website.

Cost concerns and alternatives

Respondents raised concerns about the cost of the project. People also suggested that funding could be used for a more effective safety measure at this intersection.

Response:

Thank you for your feedback. Crash records for this intersection show that most crashes involved people losing control, likely because vehicles were travelling too fast. The proposed improvements are therefore focused on encouraging safer and more appropriate speeds through the intersection. Once the improvements are in place, Auckland Transport will continue to monitor the site and consider any further measures if needed.

Access to the properties

Some respondents raised concerns that residents on Helvetia Road often experience difficulty entering and exiting their properties due to traffic conditions and visibility challenges.

Response:

Thanks for your feedback and Auckland Transport acknowledges these concerns. The proposed improvements are intended to support more appropriate and safer vehicle speeds and improve overall road safety that may help make access to properties safer.

Pedestrian facilities

Some respondents raised concerns that the proposed pedestrian crossing location may create safety risks for pedestrians, particularly due to vehicle speeds near the intersection. Respondents suggested moving the crossing further away from the intersection to provide more reaction time for both pedestrians and motorists. Some respondents commented that the proposed location may not be ideal because only one side of Birdwood Road currently has a footpath. Some respondents recommended improving pedestrian connections in the area, including upgrades to the footpath network.

Response:

Thanks for your feedback. The proposed refuge island is part of the wider intersection safety improvements. It is intended to make drivers more aware that they are approaching an intersection and encourage slower, safer speeds through the area. The refuge island is proposed where people are already choosing to cross and is designed to provide good visibility so people can wait safely and choose a suitable gap in traffic before crossing.

Design & Implementation

Respondents commented that aspects of the proposed road design may not fully align with local traffic conditions. Some raised concerns that certain design elements may not support the intended safety and traffic outcomes. For example, it was suggested that the gateway treatment could encourage drivers to accelerate before reaching the signage and signs may not change motorists’ behaviour. Several respondents recommended that a roundabout may be a more effective solution to manage traffic flow and reduce vehicle speeds at the intersection. Comments also suggested a speed bump outside 130 Helvetia Road before the trees and berms on Helvetia Road will be useful to control the speed. Respondents also mentioned that the proposed traffic island on Birdwood Road may create an accessibility issue, particularly for people using prams, wheelchairs or mobility aids.

Response:

Thanks for the feedback. Crash records for this intersection show that most crashes involved people losing control, likely because vehicles were travelling too fast. The proposed improvements are designed to encourage safer and more appropriate speeds through the intersection. Once the improvements are in place, Auckland Transport will continue to monitor the site and consider whether any further measures, such as the suggested speed hump, are needed.

The proposed refuge island will also help support safer crossing for people who are already choosing to cross at this location. It is designed to provide good visibility so people can wait safely and choose a suitable gap in traffic before crossing.

Driver Behaviour

Respondents raised concerns about unsafe driver behaviour, including speeding and reckless driving near the intersection. Some respondents commented that vehicles have been used for skidding or “boy racer” activity at this location in recent years. Comments also raised concerns about drug-impaired driving and the potential safety risks this may create for other road users.

Response:

Thank you for your feedback. We understand your concerns and appreciate you taking the time to let us know about the issues you have observed in this area.

If you see dangerous or unsafe driving, we encourage you to report it to NZ Police. Police are responsible for enforcement and may consider targeted enforcement in the area where appropriate.

You can report dangerous driving by calling 105 or by using the Police Community Roadwatch form on their website. Police will assess the information provided and, where an offence and vehicle can be clearly identified, may contact the vehicle owner about the report and the expected standards of driver behaviour.

NZHHA / heavy haulage

The Heavy Haulage Association was contacted as a stakeholder given the intersection's potential impact on heavy vehicle movements. They submitted a report which outlined their support for the project.

Response

Pukekohe North School

The Pukekohe North School was contacted as a stakeholder given the intersection's potential impact on the motorists’ experience and safety. They sent an email which outlined their support for the project.

Response