Safe walking connections on Target Road, Totara Vale

About this project

We're improving crossing safety near Target Road School! The crossing facility will prioritise people crossing, especially our tamariki, school whānau & local community.

Growing communities means busier roads – so we need to improve crossing facilities and make travelling locally safer for everyone!

The changes we’re making:

• Upgrading the crossing near 86 & 99 Target Road with new side islands and wider central traffic islands. The existing zebra crossing prioritises people crossing and makes it safer to cross, as drivers must stop and wait for them. The crossing islands are a small section of pavement within the median strip, surrounded by concrete. It helps people crossing to safely wait for a gap in traffic (while giving way to motorists) to finish crossing the road.
• Move the bus stop and shelter from outside Target Road School to #88 Target Road. (The eastbound bus stop outside Target Road School will be moved 30 meters east, opposite 86-88 Target Road). This creates two new parking spaces for school pickup/drop-off zones. To make space for the new bus stop and shelter location, we’re removing a small tree and reallocating 4 parking spaces
• Upgrading the footpath on either side of the crossing, allowing more room to wait to cross and installing pram crossings. Pram crossings, making it safer and more convenient for people pushing prams or strollers and ensuring those with mobility needs can navigate crossings more easily
• Installing tactile pavers which are yellow guidance paving markers to help vision impaired people cross the road.
• Installing new speed cushions and a traffic island near #97. Speed cushions are small speed bumps placed in the middle of the road. Larger vehicles can pass without impact & smaller vehicles need to slow down
• Painting new road markings and installing signs so motorists know to slow on approach and to give priority to people crossing the road here

The complete design drawings can be viewed or downloaded under the Documents (heading) section on this webpage.

Benefits for your community:

• Easier for everyone – Makes it safer and easier for children, their parents and caregivers, and people with different accessibility needs to cross safely.
• Improves your health and well-being to enjoy the outdoors. It offers better access to nearby parks, schools, public transport and other local amenities.
• Supports community connections – Shows a commitment to the safety of the entire school community and nearby residents.
• Encourages more travel choices – Gives families more confidence to let their children walk, scoot or bike to school, fostering their independence. Getting around on foot doesn’t cost you or the environment a thing!
• Keep our tamariki safe – Protects students walking to and from school by slowing down traffic and making drivers more aware that they need to slow down near schools.

What happens next

We will install these changes in 2025/2026.

Any changes to the designs will be updated on this page.

We will be in touch with local residents and businesses prior to any construction taking place.

How to contact us

We welcome you to share your thoughts by 10 August 2025, please email us at ATengagement@at.govt.nz or click the button below.