Merton Road, St Johns - Pedestrian Safety Improvements

Consultation Outcome

We want to thank the community of Merton Road, St. Johns, for their active engagement and feedback on our proposal to improve pedestrian safety by installing a traffic-light-controlled dual crossing outside 34 Merton Road.

After careful consideration of the feedback we received, we have decided not to proceed with pedestrian safety improvements for the following reasons: 

• Feedback suggested it was the wrong location: more people crossing near Merton Road, Howard Hunter Avenue intersection that proposed location because of the local shops and businesses
• It was too close to community facilities and would reduce the visibility of drivers entering and exiting carparks 

As a result of your collective input, we will not proceed with this proposal and will instead explore crossing opportunities near the Merton Road and Howard Hunter Avenue Intersection.   You can read the summary of community feedback in full here.

Community Feedback

Below is a summary of your feedback and our responses. 

Footpaths Upgrade

• Request for footpaths improvement in the proposed area as they are uneven and unsafe due to broken concrete and tree roots damaging it.
• Request for more footpath improvement as others are damaged in the area.

We will refer these requests to the Maintenance team to plan any footpath renewal in this area.

• Suggestion for removing large trees that drop hazardous nuts and rubbish, and ensuring the footpaths are clearly visible from the carriageway.

Aucklanders receive many benefits from trees and the natural environment.  If you notice any footpath that requires cleaning, report it on the AT website www.at.govt.nz 

On-Street Parking Space 

• Concern about a loss of on street parking space due to increased housing development on Merton Road, on street parking spaces are in demand. 

This situation already makes it difficult to park and see when entering or exiting properties.

• Concern that the proposed changes would affect the townhouse #34 Merton Road by reduced on-street parking spaces.

We are aware of parking demand and pedestrian safety. However, streets can change. They might get a makeover, new housing is planned, or some parking spots could be removed. We do not guarantee that parking will remain the same in the future.  

Keep in mind that parking within 1 meter of a driveway is not allowed, and you can report illegal parking here: https://at.govt.nz/about-us/contact-us

Cycle Lane Project

• Need update for cycle lanes proposal which was consulted in 2017:

-Request for a detailed information about the proposed cycle lanes and construction timeframe on Merton Road. 

Refer to Link to GI project webpage Links to Glen Innes Cycleways (at.govt.nz).  Most recent consultation completed between 1 December 2023 to 31 January 2024.

• Concern that this proposal aims to add cycleways on both sides of Merton Rd, based on the drawing. However, we have not received this information officially.

This project is not proposing cycleways and refer to Link to GI project webpage Links to Glen Innes Cycleways (at.govt.nz).  Most recent consultation completed between 1 December 2023 to 31 January 2024.

Cycle Separators

• Concern that adding cycle lane separators is unnecessary as the existing cycle lane path is wide enough.

Cycle lane separators are not part of this signalised pedestrian crossing project but as part of Link to GI project. 

Refer to Link too GI project webpage Links to Glen Innes Cycleways (at.govt.nz).  Most recent consultation completed between 1 December 2023 to 31 January 2024.

Congestion

• Concern that the road appears likely to become congested and confusing due to the plans, with limited parking options.

The pedestrian crossing works with push buttons.   When there are no pedestrians, the signal stays green.  We monitored recent traffic data to plan this project, ensuring minimal impact on traffic flow.

• Concern that the changes would add congestion during peak hours as peak-hour traffic congestion is worsened by cars running red lights, compromising pedestrian safety.

The pedestrian crossing works with push buttons.   When there are no pedestrians, the signal stays green.  We monitored recent traffic data to plan this project, ensuring minimal impact on traffic flow.

Relocation of the proposed crossing

• Suggestion for a relocation of the proposed crossing closer to the cricket fields and shops by Morrin Road due to the proposed area is a blind corner, heavily disrupt traffic options and unsafe location.

Regarding Safety concerns:

We selected this location as the ideal place because it is away from driveways and provides enough space for a crossing. Also, drivers approaching the bend would see the crossing signals and have enough space to slow down and stop for pedestrians.  

Location suggestion: 

The project team will look for alternative crossing opportunities near the Merton Road and Howard Hunter Avenue Intersection. 

Traffic light-controlled crossing

• Suggestion for a traffic light replacing the current roundabout on Merton Road as the traffic from St Johns to Glen Innes is always busy, while the other direction has fewer cars and the roundabout causes delays, taking half an hour to pass through. Installing a traffic light here could help balance travel time for each direction.

Unfortunately, this suggestion is out of this project scope, but we will refer it to the appropriate team for investigation.

Miscellaneous

• Concern that this crossing is not necessary given that there are only sports facilities on the south side and proposed cycleways might remove parking on the north side.

The project team will look for alternative crossing opportunities near the Merton Road and Howard Hunter Avenue Intersection. 

• Suggest for an over bridge crossing.

There are not enough people walking here to justify building an overhead bridge crossing.

• Suggestion to make the traffic light default to green for traffic until a pedestrian presses the button.

The signals will remain green until a pedestrian or cyclist pushes the button.

About the project

In response to pedestrian safety concerns raised by the community due to lack of crossing facilities, we are proposing some safety improvements on Merton Road in St Johns.

What we are proposing

Merton Road - Proposal PictureClick here for larger version

Making it safer to cross Merton Road, St Johns

• Installing a traffic-light controlled dual crossing outside #34 Merton Road to help manage traffic on this busy road and gives priority to people on foot and people on bikes to cross the road.
• Rebuilding footpaths next to the new green cycle marking outside #32 Merton Road and near the crossing. This is to provide a safe space for cyclists waiting.
• Installing yellow tactile pavers at the crossing point to help people find their way to crossings and safely cross the road.
• Installing green tactile pavers, along with holding rails for cyclists waiting at the lights.
• Installing new cycle ramps outside #32 and opposite # 40 Merton Road to guide cyclists to the new crossing.
• Painting no stopping at all times (broken yellow lines) on all approaches to the crossing. We need to clear access and re-allocate road space by removing six on-street parking.
• Removing one tree outside #32 Merton Road to make sure the traffic signals are visible to approaching drivers and cyclists.
• Installing new signage and painting new road markings to support the proposed changes.

Benefits and impacts

• Improves safety of all people crossing including those with disabilities.
• It gives more priority to people crossing this busy road safely as traffic must stop.
• Crossing is more visible to motorists and slows drivers to a safer speed.
• Low impact on traffic flow as crossing time is only activated when someone needs to cross.
• Provides a safe crossing location for people across Merton Road to get around St Johns.

What we want your feedback on

We are seeking feedback from nearby residents and businesses on our proposal to install a traffic-light controlled dual crossing.

How you can have your say 

Have your say by completing the online feedback form. The form will be open from 21 June 2024 to 8 July 2024.