Construction update: Improving road safety at Matua Rd and Tapu Rd intersection, Huapai
About the project
We heard requests from Rodney Local Board to make the Matua Rd / Tapu Rd intersection safer for people on foot in the community. After consulting the community on our proposed changes in 2022, we had planned to deliver the improvements in March 2024. However, after some further review of the original design, we decided to make some more changes.
For more information about the original consultation and other background details for this project, visit the original consultation page on the AT website.
The funding stream for this project has also changed to the Rodney Local Board Transport Capital Fund.
The changes we're making by early 2025
The new, finalised design will still include a central, mountable roundabout island with zebra crossings at each entry (as was in the originally proposed plan) so that people on foot have safe places to cross on all sides of the intersection. However, the zebra crossings will not be raised as originally planned. They will instead be at-level crossings to allow for smoother traffic flow while still giving people crossing plenty of visibility and priority.
With this final change, we want to inform you that we are planning to begin construction in early 2025. We’ll notify the community as soon as we have confirmed dates.
A drawing showing where the changes will be installed is on the right of this webpage.
The outline of safety improvements and benefits to your community include:
- Upgrading the existing stop control intersection at Matua Rd and Tapu Rd to a central, mountable roundabout. This is the best way to balance cost-effectiveness with disruption and safety. It also lets buses easily navigate the intersection.
- At-level zebra crossings on each entry to the intersection. This will lower vehicle speeds through the intersection and give people crossing priority.
- Yellow tactile pavers at all crossing points. These are yellow guidance paving markers to help visually impaired people find their way to crossings and safely across roads.
- Extending the footpaths on both sides of each zebra crossing to give more room for people to safely wait to cross
- Installing new road markings, signs and lighting to support the changes.
- Painting no stopping at all times yellow lines on the approach to each of the zebra crossings to maintain clear sight lines between drivers and pedestrians who are waiting to cross the road. This gives better visibility and ensures motorists have a safe and unblocked view when nearing the crossings. It also clears access for emergency services to get through, and it makes it safer and easier for people crossing to be seen.
Please note: We will need to extend the yellow lines a bit further on the eastern side of Tapu Rd approaching the roundabout from the north and on the southern side of Matua Rd approaching the roundabout from the east. This is to ensure drivers from these sides can clearly see people on foot crossing well before they reach the intersection, giving them plenty of time to slow to a stop.
Drawings on the right-hand side of this webpage show where the changes will be installed.
What happens next
We will install these changes in early 2025.
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
We welcome you to share your thoughts with us by 12 December 2024, please email us at ATengagement@at.govt.nz
