Favona Road and Harania Avenue – Intersection Improvements

Feedback themes and AT responses

Support the Proposal

86.1% of respondents supported the proposed signalised intersection as a necessary improvement to control the traffic flow, provide safe crossing points for vulnerable users and reduce crash risk.

Response:

Thank you for your feedback.

Traffic Flow, Congestion and Signal Operation

Some respondents expressed concern that the proposal could increase congestion, delays, queue lengths, and disruptions to traffic flow. Comments focused on signal detection, timing, and phasing, with suggestions that the signals should better respond to varying traffic demands during peak, off-peak, and night-time periods. Some respondents also questioned whether a single exit lane from Harania Avenue would provide sufficient capacity to accommodate traffic volumes.

Response: Auckland Transport acknowledges the concerns raised about traffic flow, congestion, queueing and signal operation. As part of the design and investigation work for this project, traffic surveys were undertaken and used to model different intersection layout options. This modelling helped assess expected delays, the capacity needed for each approach, and how different turning movements would operate. Based on this work, the proposed traffic signal layout presented during consultation is considered the best option to balance traffic flow, improve safety, and make efficient use of the available road space. If the project proceeds, the signal timings would also be reviewed and adjusted as needed once the signals are operating, to help manage traffic during peak and off-peak periods.

Road Layout and Turning Movements

Several respondents suggested additional road capacity measures, including extra lanes, a dedicated left-turn lane, or a left-turn slip lane. Some proposed replacing the intersection with a roundabout. Other suggestions included installing a raised median or improving turning facilities. Some respondents recommended restricting right turns from Favona Road into Harania Avenue, while others suggested allowing right turns into Harania Avenue during off-peak periods. Some respondents also requested stronger enforcement of the existing right-turn restriction at the Mainfreight driveway.

Response: Auckland Transport acknowledges the suggestions received about changing the road layout, adding lanes or restricting some turning movements. As part of the investigation, traffic surveys were carried out to understand the demand for each movement at the intersection. This information was used with traffic modelling software to test the signal layout. Based on this assessment, the proposed layout is considered the most appropriate option for managing traffic movements safely and efficiently within the available road space. Restricting certain movements is not expected to provide additional safety benefits and could create wider congestion impacts by shifting traffic to other routes or movements. The ability to add further lanes is also limited by the existing road widths and surrounding property constraints, so the design has focused on making the best use of the space available.

Construction and Delivery Concerns

Some respondents raised concerns about construction-related traffic impacts, including traffic management measures and potential detours. Some expressed concern about noise from night-time construction activities. There was also a desire for the project to be delivered promptly, with requests for information on construction timing and for advance communication of construction activities through community channels such as local community pages and letter drops.

Response: Auckland Transport acknowledges the concerns raised about construction impacts, including traffic management, detours, noise and the timing of work. If the project proceeds, affected residents, businesses and road users would be informed before construction starts, and traffic management plans would be prepared to help manage vehicle and pedestrian movements while the work is carried out. As the project is still at the consultation stage, the detailed construction methodology, timing and traffic management arrangements have not yet been confirmed. These details would be developed at a later stage, subject to the outcome of consultation and Local Board review.

Pedestrian Crossings and Footpath Safety

Some respondents expected the proposal to improve pedestrian safety and make crossing the road easier. However, some concerns were raised about the proposed crossing design, including opposition to a raised crossing and the view that the existing crossing is adequate given the perceived low level of pedestrian activity. Other comments highlighted safety issues associated with vehicles parking on a footpath used by schoolchildren and requested improvements to the crossing near the local shops.

Response: The proposed traffic signals will upgrade the crossing facilities on all legs of the intersection by providing signal-controlled pedestrian crossings. This will give pedestrians a clearer and safer way to cross, improve accessibility for people walking through the area, and better support to vulnerable users such as schoolchildren, older people and people with disabilities.

Project Necessity and Alternatives

Some respondents questioned whether traffic signals were necessary or the most effective solution for addressing the issues at the intersection. Some requested a clearer explanation of the problem being addressed, including more information on the causes and nature of the reported crashes. Concerns were also raised about the level of pedestrian activity and turning demand at the location. Some respondents considered that the primary safety issue was right turns from Favona Road into Harania Avenue and suggested restricting this movement as a more targeted intervention.

Response: Auckland Transport acknowledges the feedback asking whether traffic signals are necessary and whether other options were considered. The Favona Road and Harania Avenue intersection has been identified as a high-risk location due to its crash history and the existing challenges for vehicles, pedestrians and other road users moving through the intersection. As part of the investigation, AT considered different improvement options, including traffic signals and a roundabout. Traffic signals are the preferred option because they can provide controlled movements for all road users, improve pedestrian crossing safety, and manage turning movements while minimising the impact on traffic using Favona Road, particularly during peak periods. This option is considered the most appropriate way to address the current safety issues while supporting the ongoing operation of Favona Road as a busy transport and freight route.

Parking & Access

Some respondents raised concerns about heavy vehicle volumes, truck queueing, and access to industrial properties. Parking-related issues were also frequently mentioned, including parking near the intersection, on footpaths, outside industrial sites, and the potential removal of parking near the mosque. Comments highlighted the need to keep parking and access areas clear to support traffic flow and property access. Additional concerns included parked vehicles restricting the space available for buses turning into Harania Avenue and a request for a hatched clearway area outside 80 Favona Road to improve heavy vehicle access.

Response: Auckland Transport acknowledges the concerns raised about heavy-vehicle movements, parking and access near the intersection. Favona Road is a designated freight route, so heavy-vehicle activity is expected to remain a key part of how this corridor operates. The proposed changes have been designed with this in mind, including checks of vehicle tracking and visibility to support safe access and turning movements. Parking has been retained where it can be safely accommodated and removed only in locations where it could create access, visibility or safety issues. AT will provide limit lines and “keep clear” road markings outside the 80 Favona Road high-use driveway, to help remind road users to leave space for vehicles entering and exiting the property.

Driver Behaviour

Some respondents raised concerns about speeding and impatient or unsafe driving behaviour. Suggestions for improving compliance and safety included the installation of a red-light camera, the use of signage encouraging drivers to reduce their speed, and stronger enforcement of the existing right-turn restriction at the Mainfreight driveway. However, concerns were also expressed about the use of enforcement cameras, particularly in relation to privacy.

Response: Auckland Transport acknowledges the concerns raised about unsafe driver behaviour at this intersection, including speeding, impatience and possible red-light running. The proposed traffic signals are expected to improve safety by clearly controlling vehicle and pedestrian movements through the intersection and reducing the need for drivers to find gaps in traffic. Red-light cameras are generally considered where there is evidence of drivers not complying with existing traffic signals. As these would be new signals, AT would monitor how they operate once installed and consider further measures, such as enforcement support, if ongoing safety or compliance issues are identified. The signal design has also taken into account the nearby high-use industrial driveways to help maintain access and support safe operation for vehicles entering and exiting these properties.

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:

We responded that we acknowledge their submission and will let them know of the project outcome.