Improving crossing safety at the intersection near Gulf Harbour School
Engagement outcome
Thank you to everyone who reached out with questions and shared their insights for our planned safety improvements at this intersection.
The engagement for this project has finished. We are proceeding with the changes as planned.
We received a small number of submissions from the community. These are summarised below, along with our responses:
- Query if there will be speed restrictions around the school
Our response
We understand how important safe speeds are, especially around schools and during busy times. At this stage, we’re not planning any change to the existing speed limits along the corridor.
- Concern that the planned crossing is too close to the intersection
Our response
The crossing is planned on a spot where people, including school children, already tend to cross the road. Placing it here makes it more likely to be used and helps improve safety. Moving the crossing further down the road could mean people continue crossing at the same informal spot, which would be less safe.
- Concern about the parking losses in the area
Our response
There will be parking losses near the crossing so drivers can clearly see people crossing the road. Good visibility is especially important around schools, where children are crossing and traffic can be busy. Removing parking close to the intersection helps drivers see sooner, reduces conflicts with turning vehicles, and makes the crossing safer and more predictable.
- Concern about the project being a waste of funds as not a lot of kids walk to and from school
Our response
The school has asked us to improve safety at this location. At the moment, people are crossing the road at an informal spot, where drivers are not required to stop. This can be confusing for drivers and can be risky for children and others walking to and from the school. Based on this, the project aims to create a clear, safer crossing that people can rely on and that drivers can easily recognise.
Even if only a small number of children are walking right now, it’s important to make the route safer for those who do, and to help more families feel confident about walking in the future.
What happens next
- We are looking at installing these changes by June 2026.
- Any change or update to the plan will be uploaded on this webpage.
- We will contact residents and businesses before any work begins.
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About the project
We are making safety improvements at the intersection of Gulf Harbour Drive, Range Court and Cascaden Road in Whangaparāoa, near Gulf Harbour School.
This is to respond to concerns raised by the school and the local community about the lack of safe crossing facilities to better protect students during before and after school periods, as well as the need to improve visibility for all road users at the intersection.
The changes we’re making by June 2026
- Upgrade the existing crossing island by the reserve to a level zebra crossing. This will give priority to people walking and cycling when crossing the road and give them a safer space when waiting to cross.
- 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 all intersection crossing points to help vision impaired people safely cross the road
- Rebuild the footpath on both sides of the zebra crossing and near the bend of Range Court to provide more room and a safe area to wait before crossing the road
- Paint additional no stopping at all times (broken yellow lines) to clear access and improve visibility near the crossing and the intersection for all road users
- Install new signs and road markings so drivers know they need to slow down when approaching the intersection and be aware of the nearby crossing
- Install cycle separators that will physically separate people cycling from the main roadway to make riding safer
Benefits to your community
- Improves safety for everyone with different accessibility needs to safely cross the road and access the nearby reserve
- Encourages drivers to slow down and take extra care when approaching the crossing and improves visibility at the intersection for all road users
- Walking and cycling are 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, improves safety for road users at this intersection.
