Safer Connections for Forest Hill Road, Henderson
Engagement outcome
Thank you to everyone who reached out to us to ask questions and provide their insights, about the planned changes to improve Safer Connections for Forest Hill Road, Henderson.
After careful consideration, we are proceeding with the project as planned.
Below is the summary of the insights and comments we received and our response to them:
Speeding Traffic
Community shared concerns around speeding traffic. Please consider Including speed calming measures in the upgrade plans.
Our response
Forest Hill Road is classified as an arterial road, which is primarily designed to accommodate high traffic volumes and to facilitate movement between key destinations. Physical speed calming measures would affect the capacity and level of service on this route, cause discomfort for bus passengers, and result in on-going maintenance costs due to the high stress the speed calming measures would endure. We therefore would avoid installing this infrastructure on Forest Hill Road.
The traffic islands proposed on Forest Hill Road will reduce the lane to 3.2 metres which is anticipated to reduce vehicle speeds as drivers approach and go through the islands.
Antisocial behaviour such as overtaking cars and wheelies should be referred to the NZ police who are responsible for dealing with this behaviour.
Bus Stop relocation
Support the implementation of some safety measures. A standard zebra crossing would be supported.
Our response
The project team investigated different crossing facilities on Forest Hill Road to determine the option which would improve safety outcomes while providing good value for money. We need to remain mindful of project budgets as our resources are limited.
As part of our investigation, we looked into the frequency of bus routes on Forest Hill Road and the number of pedestrian movements at this existing bus stops. We determined that crossing islands would provide safer locations for people to cross while also catering for the pedestrian demand in the area.
Parking removal
Suggest reviewing design to reduce parking loss. Planned kerb buildout, broken yellow lines, crossing, and bus stop will remove five parking spaces (plus two previously removed).
Our response
Broken yellow lines (BYL's) were resolved in 2013 on Forest Hill Road from the intersection of Forest Hill Road and Parrs Cross Road to the driveway of 66A. This project is not proposing to extend these markings on Forest Hill Road hence the parking loss figure for the southbound direction.
We acknowledge that multiple parking spaces are being removed however this was proposed to ensure pedestrians have visibility of oncoming traffic. The crossing islands require pedestrians to give way to cars before crossing. Therefore, it is essential for the safety of pedestrians they can sight oncoming traffic and have enough forward visibility to judge when it is safe to cross.
Crossings are typically installed in close proximity to bus stops otherwise we have found pedestrians may not use them if they require a noticeable detour.
The project team has tried to minimise parking loss wherever possible however it is essential pedestrians can safely spot an oncoming car and have enough time to cross.
Bins on Berm
Berm outside 59 Forest Hill Road accommodates bins for multiple properties via a shared driveway. On recycling days, bins occupy the entire berm.
Our response
We recognise that relocating the bus stop outside 59 Forest Hill Road will reduce the available space for placing rubbish bins in this area. The bus stops are being repositioned in a tail-to-tail arrangement to improve pedestrian safety, allowing people to cross behind buses where visibility is clearer and the risk of vehicle collisions is lower.
Property owners may need to consider alternative locations along Forest Hill Road for bin placement on collection days. As refuse collection occurs once a week, no changes to the current collection process have been proposed.
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Engagement closed
The engagement for this project has now closed, and we will inform the community about the engagement outcome soon.
About the project
We’re making safety improvements along Forest Hill Road. The new crossing facilities will provide a safe and visible place for people, especially our tamariki and the local community, to cross and use our bus network.
The changes we are making:
- Installing new crossing islands where people can safely wait when crossing the street. This is a small section of pavement within the median strip, surrounded by concrete. It helps people crossing to safely wait for a gap in traffic (while giving way to motorists) to finish crossing the road.
- New and upgraded bus stops. We’re relocating bus stops along Forest Hill Road. Both will have signage and new clear road markings to ensure easy access and safe operation.
- Upgrading the footpaths and pram crossing on either side of the crossing allowing more room to wait and a smooth, accessible path to the crossing island for people using wheels.
- Painting no stopping at all times (broken yellow lines) on the approaches to the crossing. This clears access and prevents cars from parking near the crossing and improves sight lines.
- Installing new road markings and signages associated with the new crossing islands.
- Accessibility Features: Install new tactile pavers, which are yellow guidance markers to help visually impaired people find their way to the crossing and safely cross the road.
Benefits to your community
- Easier for everyone – Makes it safer and easier for children, their parents and caregivers, people with different accessibility needs to cross safely.
- Improves your health and wellbeing to enjoy the outdoors. It offers better access to nearby, parks, schools, public transport and other local amenities.
- Supports community connections – Shows a commitment to the safety of the entire community and nearby residents.
- Encourages more travel choices – We want to encourage more travel choices on foot to and from school, work and around Forest Hill, which improves your health & well-being and is good for the environment
- Connects you to where you need to go and makes it easier for you to enjoy your neighbourhood.
What happens next
We will install these changes in 2026.
Any change to the plan will be updated on this page.
We will be in touch with local residents and businesses prior to any construction taking place.
How to contact us
If you'd like to speak to someone about our plans, please email us on ATengagement@at.govt.nz by 3rd November 2025.
Feel free to share your local insights or if there's anything we missed, by clicking the comment box below.
