Vaughans Road, Okura – Safety Improvements and Proposed Reopening
Project Update
We’re making safety improvements to Vaughans Road in Okura and want to hear your thoughts.
Since the temporary road closure at 189 Vaughans Road, where it connects to Te Oneroa Way, we’ve been working on a long-term solution to safely manage the expected increase in traffic.
We’ll be presenting this design and our plans to the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board in July 2025. In the meantime, we’re inviting the community to view our plans and tell us if there’s anything we’ve missed.
About the project and background
Vaughans Road is currently a rural road used by around 650 vehicles per day. Once its connected to Te Oneroa Way, that number is expected to rise to around 5,600 vehicles daily.
Our assessments show that the road, as it is now, isn’t suitable for this level of traffic. That’s why we temporarily closed it and are now looking at upgrades to improve safety with the goal of potentially reopening it.
You can read more about the background and previous updates on the AT website.
The changes we're making
We’re considering localised widening and safety improvements along key sections of Vaughans Road. If the road is upgraded to meet safety standards, it could be reopened to through traffic.
We want to hear your thoughts on our plans.
The upgrades are grouped into five locations/sites:
Site 1: Intersection of Okura River Road and East Coast Road
- Extension of existing flush median on East Coast Road in the north bound direction to provide more room for vehicles to safely turn right out of Okura River Road and merge with traffic.
Site 2: Intersection of Vaughans Road and Okura River Road
- Changing the priority of the intersection from Okura River Road to Vaughans Road and placing the giveway control on Okura River Road at the intersection.
Site 3: 12 Vaughans Rd - 66 Vaughans Rd (Sheet 2 - 5)
- Widening the road to enable safe two-way traffic flow
- Adding clear road markings (new flush median/flush road markings) to help keep cars apart when going over hills and around curves
- Fixing worn out areas for a smoother, safer, more reliable driving surface
Site 4: 78 - 96 Vaughans Rd (Sheet 6)
- Widening the road to enable safe two-way traffic flow
- Adding clear road markings (new flush median/flush road markings) to help keep cars apart when going over hills and around curves
- Fixing worn out areas for a smoother, safer, more reliable driving surface
- New retaining wall to support the land so the road can be made wider
Site 5: 116–159 Vaughans Road (Sheet 7 - 9)
- Raising existing road levels to improve visibility over hills
- Two new passing bays so opposing drivers can safely pass each other on narrower sections
- Fixing worn out areas for a smoother, safer, more reliable driving surface
Site 6: 175 - 189 Vaughans Road (Sheet 10 -11)
- Widening the road to enable safe two-way traffic flow
- Adding clear road markings (new flush median/flush road markings) to help keep cars apart when going around bends
- Raising existing road levels to improve visibility over hills
- Fixing worn out areas for a smoother, safer, more reliable driving surface
- Removal of bollards and reinstatement of berm at temporary road closure
For more information please view the full designs under the heading Documents.
Come to a community information session
We’re holding two informal community info sessions where you can:
View the proposed plans
Ask questions
Share your feedback
There will be no formal presentation—just come by when it suits you.
Details
Tuesday 10 June, 6:00–8:00 PM – Graceway Baptist Church, Okura
Wednesday 11 June, 6:00–8:00 PM – Long Bay Primary School
Can’t make it in person?
You can still have your say online.
Please share your feedback by Sunday 23 June 2025.
Benefits to your community
Safer for everyone
- The road will be upgraded to make it safer for people driving.
- Better visibility and road conditions will help prevent crashes
Easier access for emergency and service vehicles
- Emergency services and rubbish trucks will be able to get through more easily
- This means faster response times in an emergency and more reliable services.
Faster travel between Okura and Long Bay
- Reopening the road gives people a shorter, more direct route.
- This helps reduce traffic on other roads and saves time.
Better Connections in the Community
- Makes it easier to get to schools, shops, and between neighbourhoods.
- Helps spread traffic more evenly across the area, making it better for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Piripiri Point – Addressing Current Issues
Piripiri Point is experiencing social challenges such as boy racer activity and suspected drug-related behaviour. These are matters under Police jurisdiction and require enforcement action. Additionally, illegal rubbish dumping is monitored and enforced by Auckland Council. We will continue to monitor changes in activity at Piripiri Point, particularly in light of changing traffic patterns following the upgrade of Vaughans Road.
Why Reopen the Road?
The proposal to maintain the current closure was not supported by the local community. There is significant public interest in reconnecting Vaughans Road with Te Oneroa Way, as originally envisioned in the Long Bay Precinct Plan outlined in the Auckland Unitary Plan.
View the Precinct Plan
Will the Road Be Safe If It’s Opened?
While permanent closure would provide the highest safety outcome, community demand for access—including connections to Long Bay beach, schools, the business area, and surrounding residential growth—has prompted reconsideration. Safety enhancements are proposed to mitigate concerns, but we acknowledge that full safety cannot be guaranteed compared to maintaining the closure.
Speed Limits – Temporary or Permanent?
A temporary speed limit reduction could be introduced for safety purposes; however, this would not imply or lead to a permanent change. Any long-term alterations would require further assessment and funding.
Why Not Fully Upgrade Vaughans Road?
A comprehensive upgrade including footpaths, kerbing, and street lighting is not currently feasible due to funding constraints.
What About a Roundabout at Vaughans Rd & Okura Valley Rd?
We explored a roundabout option at this intersection. However, the space required to accommodate larger vehicles exceeds what the current budget can support. Instead, the proposal gives traffic priority to Vaughans Road to improve traffic flow within existing constraints.
If Reopening Is Approved – When Will It Happen?
If a decision is made to reopen, the connection would be completed before July 2026.
If the Closure Is Maintained – What Then?
The road will remain closed, and any additional safety improvements necessary will be implemented. This closure would likely remain in place for an indefinite period until sufficient funding becomes available to deliver upgrades that meet the required safety and performance standards.
We want you to share your thoughts
Kōrero mai tō whakaaro by 23 June 2025, using the Q&A tool below.
Let us know your feedback on the proposed changes and opening of Vaughans Road
Include your name, email address, physical address and your comments on our safety upgrades and we’ll keep you updated!
How to contact us
We welcome you to share your thoughts with us by 23 June 2025, please email us at ATengagement@at.govt.nz
