Improving safety at the Swanson Road and North Candia Road Intersection

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Engagement outcome

We are moving forward with installing traffic lights at this high-risk intersection. These upgrades will improve safety for people walking and cycling, and make turning movements safer and more efficient for all kinds of vehicles.

We have considered installing a roundabout as one of the safety options. However, roundabouts tend to work better when there is even traffic flow at each of its entrance. At this location, the roundabout in the morning would lead to a strong preference for traffic turning right out of North Candia Road and would cause traffic backlog along Swanson Road. In the evenings, vehicles turning out of North Candia Road will have less opportunity to turn.

The planned traffic lights will be adjusted for future demand, as there is future growth in the area. It is our standard practice to review and optimise traffic lights to improve traffic operations once the traffic lights are activated. The lights will also provide a safer turning option for heavy and oversized vehicles, and safer crossing facilities for pedestrians.

We appreciate the various insights received from the Swanson community which helped shape this project, to view the summary of insights received and our response to them, please click here: Summary of insights received

Raw supportive comments from the community

  • "Please do not put in a roundabout, or bow down to the opinions of people who chose to buy a house way out in the Waitakere Ranges, and now want to speed through our communities. If there are complaints about this slowing traffic down, then that is also a good reason to go ahead and do it. My children live here. We do not want to have this urban residential environment as one where people think it is ok to hit the gas and drive through at speed. If this set of lights prevents one person being seriously hurt or worse then it is worth it."
  • "I have just read your plans for the busy intersection of North Candia and Swanson Road. I would like to say thank you! I use this route a lot and it is getting increasingly difficult and dangerous. Traffic lights would be welcomed."
  • "I think traffic lights is a great idea. However please do not put a raised cross over as this slows traffic to much and will make it more congested once everyone moves into the new housing area. "
  • "I know there will be a lot of negative feedback regarding this proposal, with many believing (mistakenly) that a roundabout would be better, so I wanted to make contact in support of this proposal. From experience, I understand the reasoning behind lights over a roundabout and look forward to being able to turn right out of North Candia with greater ease. The ability to manage the flow of traffic with lights, and the increased safety over a roundabout will be welcomed graciously by me and my family. Thank you for the efforts in making this location safer."

What happens next

We are looking to begin installing these changes in the first half of 2026.

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.

Engagement closed

The engagement for this project has now closed and we will inform the community about the engagement outcome soon.

About the project

We are upgrading this intersection to respond to safety issues raised by the community. This will make walking, cycling and driving safer and easier, so everyone gets where they need to and home safely.

The changes we're making

  • New traffic lights and traffic light-controlled crossings on each approach to the intersection
  • New wider footpath, pram crossings, tactile pavers, cycle ramps and cycle boxes
  • Reconstruct driveways that will be affected by the changes
  • Removal of 2 trees and some tree canopies trimmed down to facilitate the wider footpath
  • Re-allocate road space by removing 4 parking spaces on Swanson Road to clear access for vehicles and minimise congestion
  • New signs and road markings to support the changes

Download the detailed drawing here

Benefits to your community

  • Safer for Everyone: New traffic lights and traffic light controlled crossings will improve safety for all road users by reducing the chance of crashes and near misses at the intersection.
  • Better Traffic Flow: Traffic lights will help manage busy roads, reducing congestion and making it easier for vehicles to move through the area.
  • Family-Friendly Design: Widened footpaths, ramps for prams or mobility scooters, and other upgrades will make it easier for families to get around.
  • Better for the Community: With schools, parks, and shops nearby, the changes will create safer routes for the community.
  • Improved Road Use: Re-allocating road space on Swanson Road will provide clear access at the intersection and reduce queueing. This will allow vehicles to turn more easily and safely.

How to contact us

We welcome you to share your thoughts with us by 21 March 2025, please email us at ATengagement@at.govt.nz


Engagement outcome

We are moving forward with installing traffic lights at this high-risk intersection. These upgrades will improve safety for people walking and cycling, and make turning movements safer and more efficient for all kinds of vehicles.

We have considered installing a roundabout as one of the safety options. However, roundabouts tend to work better when there is even traffic flow at each of its entrance. At this location, the roundabout in the morning would lead to a strong preference for traffic turning right out of North Candia Road and would cause traffic backlog along Swanson Road. In the evenings, vehicles turning out of North Candia Road will have less opportunity to turn.

The planned traffic lights will be adjusted for future demand, as there is future growth in the area. It is our standard practice to review and optimise traffic lights to improve traffic operations once the traffic lights are activated. The lights will also provide a safer turning option for heavy and oversized vehicles, and safer crossing facilities for pedestrians.

We appreciate the various insights received from the Swanson community which helped shape this project, to view the summary of insights received and our response to them, please click here: Summary of insights received

Raw supportive comments from the community

  • "Please do not put in a roundabout, or bow down to the opinions of people who chose to buy a house way out in the Waitakere Ranges, and now want to speed through our communities. If there are complaints about this slowing traffic down, then that is also a good reason to go ahead and do it. My children live here. We do not want to have this urban residential environment as one where people think it is ok to hit the gas and drive through at speed. If this set of lights prevents one person being seriously hurt or worse then it is worth it."
  • "I have just read your plans for the busy intersection of North Candia and Swanson Road. I would like to say thank you! I use this route a lot and it is getting increasingly difficult and dangerous. Traffic lights would be welcomed."
  • "I think traffic lights is a great idea. However please do not put a raised cross over as this slows traffic to much and will make it more congested once everyone moves into the new housing area. "
  • "I know there will be a lot of negative feedback regarding this proposal, with many believing (mistakenly) that a roundabout would be better, so I wanted to make contact in support of this proposal. From experience, I understand the reasoning behind lights over a roundabout and look forward to being able to turn right out of North Candia with greater ease. The ability to manage the flow of traffic with lights, and the increased safety over a roundabout will be welcomed graciously by me and my family. Thank you for the efforts in making this location safer."

What happens next

We are looking to begin installing these changes in the first half of 2026.

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.

Engagement closed

The engagement for this project has now closed and we will inform the community about the engagement outcome soon.

About the project

We are upgrading this intersection to respond to safety issues raised by the community. This will make walking, cycling and driving safer and easier, so everyone gets where they need to and home safely.

The changes we're making

  • New traffic lights and traffic light-controlled crossings on each approach to the intersection
  • New wider footpath, pram crossings, tactile pavers, cycle ramps and cycle boxes
  • Reconstruct driveways that will be affected by the changes
  • Removal of 2 trees and some tree canopies trimmed down to facilitate the wider footpath
  • Re-allocate road space by removing 4 parking spaces on Swanson Road to clear access for vehicles and minimise congestion
  • New signs and road markings to support the changes

Download the detailed drawing here

Benefits to your community

  • Safer for Everyone: New traffic lights and traffic light controlled crossings will improve safety for all road users by reducing the chance of crashes and near misses at the intersection.
  • Better Traffic Flow: Traffic lights will help manage busy roads, reducing congestion and making it easier for vehicles to move through the area.
  • Family-Friendly Design: Widened footpaths, ramps for prams or mobility scooters, and other upgrades will make it easier for families to get around.
  • Better for the Community: With schools, parks, and shops nearby, the changes will create safer routes for the community.
  • Improved Road Use: Re-allocating road space on Swanson Road will provide clear access at the intersection and reduce queueing. This will allow vehicles to turn more easily and safely.

How to contact us

We welcome you to share your thoughts with us by 21 March 2025, please email us at ATengagement@at.govt.nz

Page last updated: 04 Nov 2025, 02:31 PM