Improving safety for Buckland Road & Portage Road, Papatoetoe

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March 2026 update - Project proceeding

We heard concerns about safety at the Buckland Road zebra crossing and the Buckland Road/Portage Road intersection. In response, we proposed changes to make these areas safer and easier to navigate for everyone -especially tamariki walking and cycling in the area.

These improvements are a joint initiative between the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board and Auckland Transport. By combining two nearby projects into one, we can reduce costs, minimise disruption, and deliver safer, well-integrated upgrades for the community.

Next steps

After reviewing feedback and in collaboration with the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board we are proceeding with the project as proposed.

We expect construction to start in mid to late May 2026.

Background

Why are we making these changes?

  • Community concerns: Drivers often fail to stop at the existing zebra crossing on Buckland Road, creating risks for pedestrians.
  • Safety: The Buckland Road / Portage Road intersection can be confusing and difficult to navigate, increasing the chance of crashes.
  • Protecting vulnerable users: Many tamariki and cyclists use these routes to get to school, the park and shops.
  • Future-proofing: Upgrading crossings and intersections now helps manage growing traffic volumes and supports active transport.


Buckland Road (west of Franklin Avenue)

Pedestrian traffic signals and wider footpaths for safer crossings

  • Upgrade the existing zebra crossing to traffic lights with a combined cycle and pedestrian crossing (not raised). The traffic lights will only be activated by someone waiting to cross the road.
  • Widen kerb ramps, footpaths, and shared paths at the crossing on Buckland Road and Franklin Avenue.
  • Install tactile pavers (yellow guidance markers) to assist visually impaired pedestrians.

Improved visibility

  • Trim trees to improve visibility of the new traffic lights.

Community benefits:

  • Makes it safer for tamariki and pedestrians to cross Buckland Road.
  • Improves accessibility for people with mobility challenges and visual impairments.
  • Supports walking and cycling as safe, practical options.


Buckland Road and Portage Road intersection (including nearby side roads - Franklin Avenue and Park Avenue)

A roundabout for smoother and safer traffic flow

  • Replace the current give-way intersection with a new roundabout.
  • Realign kerblines and widen traffic islands to improve traffic flow.
  • Add a dedicated right-turn waiting space and ‘keep clear’ markings on Portage Road to help with turning movement from Park Avenue to Portage Road.
  • Restrict right turns from Park Avenue to Portage Road (drivers can use the roundabout for U-turns).

Cyclist and pedestrian safety

  • Install electronic warning signs on Portage Road to alert drivers about approaching cyclists.
  • Add a new cyclist and pedestrian crossing on Portage Road (south of the roundabout) and new cycle ramps and shared paths for safer navigation.

Other safety improvements

  • Remove the existing crash barrier at the corner of Buckland Road and Portage Road.

Parking changes for safety

  • Reprioritise two spaces on Franklin Avenue and three on Park Avenue as “no stopping at all times” zones to improve visibility at crossings.

Community benefits:

  • Reduces the risk of crashes at a busy intersection.
  • Improves traffic flow and reduces driver confusion.
  • Makes it safer for cyclists and pedestrians to navigate the area
  • Reduces vehicle speeds to promote safer environment for all road users
  • Enhances visibility for all road users



Download a larger image of the map here





March 2026 update - Project proceeding

We heard concerns about safety at the Buckland Road zebra crossing and the Buckland Road/Portage Road intersection. In response, we proposed changes to make these areas safer and easier to navigate for everyone -especially tamariki walking and cycling in the area.

These improvements are a joint initiative between the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board and Auckland Transport. By combining two nearby projects into one, we can reduce costs, minimise disruption, and deliver safer, well-integrated upgrades for the community.

Next steps

After reviewing feedback and in collaboration with the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board we are proceeding with the project as proposed.

We expect construction to start in mid to late May 2026.

Background

Why are we making these changes?

  • Community concerns: Drivers often fail to stop at the existing zebra crossing on Buckland Road, creating risks for pedestrians.
  • Safety: The Buckland Road / Portage Road intersection can be confusing and difficult to navigate, increasing the chance of crashes.
  • Protecting vulnerable users: Many tamariki and cyclists use these routes to get to school, the park and shops.
  • Future-proofing: Upgrading crossings and intersections now helps manage growing traffic volumes and supports active transport.


Buckland Road (west of Franklin Avenue)

Pedestrian traffic signals and wider footpaths for safer crossings

  • Upgrade the existing zebra crossing to traffic lights with a combined cycle and pedestrian crossing (not raised). The traffic lights will only be activated by someone waiting to cross the road.
  • Widen kerb ramps, footpaths, and shared paths at the crossing on Buckland Road and Franklin Avenue.
  • Install tactile pavers (yellow guidance markers) to assist visually impaired pedestrians.

Improved visibility

  • Trim trees to improve visibility of the new traffic lights.

Community benefits:

  • Makes it safer for tamariki and pedestrians to cross Buckland Road.
  • Improves accessibility for people with mobility challenges and visual impairments.
  • Supports walking and cycling as safe, practical options.


Buckland Road and Portage Road intersection (including nearby side roads - Franklin Avenue and Park Avenue)

A roundabout for smoother and safer traffic flow

  • Replace the current give-way intersection with a new roundabout.
  • Realign kerblines and widen traffic islands to improve traffic flow.
  • Add a dedicated right-turn waiting space and ‘keep clear’ markings on Portage Road to help with turning movement from Park Avenue to Portage Road.
  • Restrict right turns from Park Avenue to Portage Road (drivers can use the roundabout for U-turns).

Cyclist and pedestrian safety

  • Install electronic warning signs on Portage Road to alert drivers about approaching cyclists.
  • Add a new cyclist and pedestrian crossing on Portage Road (south of the roundabout) and new cycle ramps and shared paths for safer navigation.

Other safety improvements

  • Remove the existing crash barrier at the corner of Buckland Road and Portage Road.

Parking changes for safety

  • Reprioritise two spaces on Franklin Avenue and three on Park Avenue as “no stopping at all times” zones to improve visibility at crossings.

Community benefits:

  • Reduces the risk of crashes at a busy intersection.
  • Improves traffic flow and reduces driver confusion.
  • Makes it safer for cyclists and pedestrians to navigate the area
  • Reduces vehicle speeds to promote safer environment for all road users
  • Enhances visibility for all road users



Download a larger image of the map here





Page published: 27 Mar 2026, 04:20 PM