Shirley Road and Dreadon Avenue Intersection Improvement

Support the proposal

Respondents supported the proposed signalised intersection as a necessary improvement to control the traffic flow, provide safe crossing points for vulnerable users and reduce crash risk.

Response:

Thank you for your feedback.

Traffic flow and congestion

Some respondents raised concerns that the proposed traffic signals may reduce traffic flow efficiency and increase queuing. Comment also suggested that the signal may generate a problem elsewhere with increased congestion at the Great South Road / Shirley Road intersection.

Response: We understand that traffic queues already occur in this area, particularly because of the traffic signals on Great South Road. At times, these queues can extend through the intersection. The proposed new signals may add some delay for people travelling on Shirley Road; however, our traffic modelling shows that this delay is expected to be manageable and is not likely to cause significant congestion or major impacts on the surrounding road network. The main purpose of this project is to improve safety at the intersection, particularly for people turning into and out of Dreadon Avenue, by providing safer and more controlled movements for all road users.

Pedestrian Safety & Crossing Design

Some respondents raised concerns that installing traffic signals at this location could create safety risks for children playing nearby, particularly if the changes result in erratic driver behaviour. Some respondents suggested alternative crossing arrangements, like a central berm as a refuge or pedestrian facilities incorporated into a roundabout.

Response: We understand the concern about more people, including children, crossing Shirley Road. People are already crossing in this area, and the proposed signalised pedestrian crossing is intended to give them a safer and more accessible place to cross. The signals would give pedestrians a dedicated crossing time and require drivers to stop when the signals indicate, helping to make movements through the intersection more predictable. This is expected to improve safety for pedestrians, drivers, and other road users, particularly children and more vulnerable people.

Physical Environment

Some respondents raised concerns about potential effects on the local environment. Both respondents commented on noise and vehicle emissions associated with stopping, starting or idling traffic. Comment also raised concerns about traffic signal glare, engine vibrations and potential privacy effects.

Response: The proposed traffic signals and pedestrian crossings would be located within the existing road corridor and are not expected to materially alter the local environment. We understand concerns about light, noise, vibration, vehicle emissions and privacy. While some vehicles may brake and accelerate at the signals, this is expected to be similar to what already occurs in the area because of queues from the Great South Road signals.

The proposal does not include traffic calming measures or major road surface changes that would be expected to create additional vibration effects. Any additional light and noise would be limited to the normal operation of the traffic signals, such as signal lights for drivers and pedestrian crossing sounds when the crossing button is pressed for the visually impaired pedestrians.

Road layout improvements

Some respondents suggested changing the Dreadon Avenue layout to allow left-turn-in and left-turn-out movements only. Some respondents suggested replacing the proposed traffic signals with a roundabout and providing pedestrian crossing facilities.

Response: We considered these options during the investigation stage. Changing Dreadon Avenue to allow left turns only would mean people could no longer turn right into or out of Dreadon Avenue. This would divert more than 1,000 vehicle movements each day to other intersections. We consider this would have a significant impact on the local community, as drivers would need to detour to either the Coronation Road roundabout or the Kolmar Road signals to access Great South Road or Dreadon Avenue.

We also assessed the roundabout option. Traffic modelling showed that a roundabout would have limited spare capacity and may not be able to support future traffic demand or growth in the area, particularly during the afternoon peak. For these reasons, the left-turn-only and roundabout options are not preferred. The proposed signalised option is considered to provide a better balance between improving safety, maintaining access, and managing traffic movements through the area.

Cost concerns and alternatives

Some respondents raised concerns about the cost or value for money of the project. Comments suggested that AT should prioritise resources elsewhere, including requests for maintenance improvements at Omana Park.

Response: We understand concerns about the cost of the project and how public funding is prioritised. This intersection has been identified as a high-risk location and is one of the higher-risk intersections in the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board area, currently ranked 11th. The project is funded through Auckland Transport’s Road Safety Programme, which focuses on improving locations where there is a higher risk of crashes and where safety improvements can help reduce the likelihood of people being seriously injured.

We also acknowledge the comments about Omana Park. Maintenance and improvements at Omana Park are managed by Auckland Council and are funded separately from Auckland Transport’s road safety budget. This means funding allocated for road safety improvements cannot be directly transferred to park maintenance. The proposed intersection improvements are being considered because of the safety risk identified at this location.

Parking & Access

Some submissions raised concerns about the loss of on-street parking. Respondents raised concerns about customer, accessibility or driveway access and requested additional parking restrictions, yellow lines or no-stopping markings. Submissions noted that existing parked vehicles restrict visibility or traffic flow. Comment suggested modifying the berm area to provide space for vehicles to park safely. Some submissions raised potential property-value impacts.

Response: We understand concerns about the potential loss of on-street parking and the impact this may have on nearby residents and businesses. The proposed broken yellow lines, which mean no stopping, are needed to keep the area near the intersection clear so drivers can see the new traffic signals, pedestrians and other road users. Clear visibility is important for the signals to operate safely.

Although broken yellow lines are not currently marked in this location, parking is already restricted near intersections under the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004. The proposed markings would make these existing restrictions clearer and easier for drivers to follow. We have also considered the suggestion to allow berm-side parking, however, parking close to the intersection could affect visibility and the safe operation of the new signals. Some on-street parking would still be available nearby on Dreadon Avenue.

For these reasons, the proposed broken yellow lines are proposed to support safer movements for drivers, pedestrians and other road users.

Need and suitability of traffic signals

Some submissions questioned the need, location or suitability of traffic signals and some referred to their proximity to the Great South Road / Shirley Road signals. Some respondents considered signals excessive for a smaller side street or standard section of road.

Response: We understand the concerns about whether traffic signals are the right treatment for this location, particularly given the nearby signals at Great South Road and the traffic volumes on Dreadon Avenue. The main purpose of this project is to address the safety risk associated with vehicles turning into and out of Dreadon Avenue.

During the investigation stage, we considered several options, including restricting turning movements, installing signals and providing a roundabout. Restricting right turns would divert more than 1,000 vehicle movements each day to nearby intersections. We consider this would have a significant impact on the local community, as drivers would need to detour to either the Coronation Road roundabout or the Kolmar Road signals to access Great South Road or Dreadon Avenue.

A roundabout was also assessed, but traffic modelling showed it would have limited spare capacity and may not support future traffic demand, particularly during the afternoon peak.

The proposed signalised option is considered to provide the best balance between improving safety, maintaining access to Dreadon Avenue, and managing traffic movements through the area. The new signals would be about 250 metres from the existing Great South Road / Shirley Road signals, and this spacing has been considered as part of the design. Traffic modelling indicates that the proposed signals are expected to operate at an acceptable level and support the intended safety and traffic outcomes.

Queue-related driver behaviour and safety

Some respondents raised concerns about unsafe or unpredictable driver behaviour and the potential safety risks associated with traffic queuing near the intersection.

Response: We understand the concern that queues near the intersection could make it harder for drivers to exit nearby properties and merge safely into traffic. Traffic queues already occur in this area at times, particularly because of the nearby Great South Road signals.

The proposed signalised intersection is intended to provide clearer control of vehicle movements and reduce conflict points at the intersection. Because the new signals would be located near the existing Great South Road signals, there is an opportunity to coordinate the signal timing to help traffic move through the area as smoothly and safely as possible. Traffic modelling indicates that the proposed signals are expected to operate at an acceptable level.

While unsafe or unpredictable driver behaviour cannot be completely eliminated, the proposed signals would provide a more controlled and predictable road environment for drivers, pedestrians and other road users. Signal phasing and timing can also be reviewed and adjusted after installation if needed.