Safe walking connections on Seymour Road, Sunnyvale
Engagement outcome
Thank you to everyone who reached out to us to ask questions and provide their insights, about the planned upgrades to the existing crossing island on Seymour Road.
After careful consideration, we are proceeding with the project as planned with a modification. The modification includes slow markings on approach to the crossing. These markings improve pedestrian safety by visually guiding drivers to slow down when approaching the crossing.
During May 2025, pedestrian surveys identified strong demand for a safe crossing in this area, with 48 pedestrians recorded on a weekday and 50 on a weekend. Although no crashes have been recorded at this site in the past five years, we are undertaking a proactive approach to improving safety and connectivity for the community before someone is seriously injured. This upgrade will also strengthen walking and cycling connections within the Oratia cycleway and support people connecting to the wider network, linking the park to Sunnyvale Train Station.
Raw comments from the community
“Yes this will help more safely link us to the park. Lots of us use the park all the time so it's good to have a crossing here especially for the young ones. Thank you.”
“I support the crossing 100%. 2 people in my household cycle to the train station and this is the missing link”
“Please proceed with this crossing.”
Below is the summary of the insights and comments on the proposal we received and our response to them:
Crossing Location
Relocate crossing to a safer location, in front of the Early Childhood Education Centre. The crossing is not safe as it is located on a bend and is close to the park exit where drivers turning right onto Seymour Road may miss crossing pedestrians.
Our response
The introduction of the road-level zebra crossing improves safety and encourages lower vehicle speeds in the area where pedestrians are crossing. The crossing is positioned along the natural pedestrian desire line, ensuring convenient access for those travelling between key destinations. All visibility and vehicle tracking requirements have been completely assessed through the usual AT standards and have been safety audited by an external independent safety auditor to ensure its safety. In addition, the design has been updated to include slow markings on approach to the crossing.
Parking
One respondent suggested that there should be enough parking on roads for housing with good space for cars to move. Another respondent suggested to extend the parking restrictions to the end of 62 Seymour Road.
Our response
We understand on-street parking is important for residents, so we've kept removals to a minimum. Painting no stopping at all times (broken yellow lines) on the approaches to the crossing clears access and prevents cars from parking near the crossing and improves sight lines. We do not recommend additional parking removal beyond 70 Seymour Road.
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Engagement closed
The engagement for this project has now closed and we will inform the community about the engagement outcome soon.
About this project
Heads up! We’ll be improving crossing safety on Seymour Road, Sunnyvale.
Growing communities means busier roads – so we need to improve crossing facilities and make travelling locally safer for everyone!
The upgraded crossing facility will prioritise people crossing, especially our tamariki, and the local community.
The changes we’re making:
- Upgrade existing crossing island to a zebra crossing (not raised) with wider central island.
- Upgrading existing footpath to a shared path to keep people on foot and cyclists connected safely
- Upgrade the footpath and pram crossings on either side of the crossing.
- Install new tactile pavers which are yellow guidance markers to help visually impaired people find their way to the crossing and safely cross the road.
- Install belisha beacons signs by the crossing. These are orange discs which warn motorists they are approaching a crossing especially at night
- Install skid-resistant surfacing on both lanes approaching the crossing. This aims to reduce speeds to minimise the risk of accidents. It also improves vehicle grip especially during wet weather conditions.
- Widen and improve the shared path entrance to the Apple Orchard Way to make it more accessible and safer for people walking and cycling
- Painting no stopping at all times (broken yellow lines) on the approaches to the crossing. This clears access and prevents cars from parking near the crossing and improves sight lines.
- Install new signs and paint new road markings so motorists know they are approaching a crossing
Benefits for your community:
- Safer crossings for the community, especially children and people with different accessibility needs.
- Encourages walking, biking, and scootering – which is healthier and better for the environment.
- New road markings and signs clarify right of way, improve safety by minimising risk of collisions, and ensures compliance with traffic regulations.
What happens next
We will install these changes by February 2026
Any changes to the designs will be updated on this page.
We will be in touch with 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(External link), Phone on 09 355 3553 by 8 September 2025.
You may also leave us a comment below, open to both registered and non-registered users.
