Projects update

April 2026

In September 2025, we informed you about our plan to improve road safety by widening the footpath and extending the kerb on both corners of the intersection at Melrose Road, Olsen Avenue and Hayr Road. We’d like to thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on this plan.

After hearing concerns from the community about delays for traffic turning out of Melrose Road during peak periods, we carried out additional site observations to better understand how the intersection is being used.

Based on further observation, we’ve made changes to the original design to better reflect community input.

What’s changed?

• No extension of the median strip on Melrose Road towards the western side of the intersection near Hayr Road and Olsen Avenue.
• A smaller kerb extension with white painted road markings (see number 4 in the updated drawing) at the corner of Hayr Road and Melrose Road. This helps make the road feel narrower, encouraging drivers to slow down when turning into Melrose Road.
• Widen the lane on Melrose Road so left‑turning vehicles can move past queues caused by right‑turning traffic during peak periods.

We now plan to deliver the following:

Melrose Road, Olsen Avenue, Hayr Road Intersection, Hillsborough - Updated Drawing

Click here for a larger imager

• Widening the footpath and extending the kerb on both corners of the intersection at Melrose Road, Olsen Avenue and Hayr Road.
• Installing a skid‑resistant road surface on the approaches to and through the intersection on Hayr Road and Olsen Avenue to help vehicles stop more safely.
• Upgrading pram crossings at both corners of the intersection with new tactile pavers including one outside 80 Olsen Avenue, aligned with the new tactile pavers and a reshaped grass berm.

Benefits of the changes:

• An approach lane on Melrose Road allows drivers turning left to move past queues of right‑turning vehicles during peak periods.
• Reduce delays for left‑turning vehicles, particularly smaller cars, when queues extend back from the intersection.
• Improved traffic flow during peak times helps reduce congestion and improves overall intersection efficiency.

What happens next

We anticipate these changes to be constructed around mid-2026.

You can also find the latest project updates at https://at.govt.nz/projects-and-initiatives/melrose-road-olsen-avenue-and-hayr-road-intersection-safety-improvements

We’ll keep you updated

We will notify you before any work starts. If you have any questions, please contact us by email ATengagement@at.govt.nz subject line 20100267 or phone 09 355 3553.

About the project

We’re making safety improvements at the intersection of Melrose Road, Olsen Avenue, and Hayr Road. These changes are in response to community concerns about the high number of crashes in this area.

A crash study found that many incidents are caused by drivers turning too quickly and having limited visibility when giving way on Melrose Road. Our planned upgrades aim to make this intersection safer for everyone.

The changes we're making:

• Wider footpaths and extended kerbs on both corners of the intersection to make crossing safer for everyone.
• Extended median strip on the west side, giving vehicles a safe place to wait before turning into Olsen Avenue or Hayr Road.
• Upgraded pram crossings with new tactile pavers, including outside 80 Olsen Avenue, and a reshaped grass berm.
• Skid-resistant road surface on the southbound lane before and through the intersection to help vehicles stop more safely.
• New signage and road markings to support these changes.

Benefit for your community:

• Safer footpaths: Wider footpaths reduce the distance for pedestrians to cross.
• Improved road safety: The changes will help reduce the speed of cars turning at the intersection.
• Better visibility: Relocating pram crossings helps drivers and pedestrians see each other more easily.
• More accessible crossing: Upgrading pram crossings with tactile pavers helps visually impaired people find their way to the crossing.

• These improvements will be installed by March 2026.
• Any change to the plan will be updated on our website.
• 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 discuss our plans, share what you know about your area or let us know if there's anything we've missed, email us at ATengagement@at.govt.nz or leave us a comment below by 13 October 2025.