Safe walking connections on Victory Road, Laingholm
Project Update
The project is continuing to progress through planning and design, with construction currently scheduled for Q2 2027. We will keep the community informed as the project advances and provide further updates ahead of construction.
Engagement outcome
Thank you to everyone who reached out to us to ask questions and provide their insights, about the planned changes to improve safe walking connections on Victory Road, outside Laingholm Primary School.
After careful consideration, we are proceeding with the project as planned.
Below is the summary of the insights and comments we received and our response to them:
Speed and Safety
Our Response
Victory Road has an average daily traffic volume of 1520 vehicles over a 7-day period. There have been no police-reported crashes involving a pedestrian and vehicle in past five years at this location. However there have been numerous near misses reported by staff at Laingholm School at the existing pedestrian crossing. Site observations have confirmed excessive vehicle speeds near the crossing likely due to the flat and straight geometry of Victory Road at this location.
The school is supportive of raising the crossing to slow down vehicles Infront of the school and reduce the risk of serious injury to pedestrians.
The project scope is not limited to raised crossing it includes other upgrades which will improve the safety of all road users.
- New footpaths on either side of the crossing to provide a safe location for pedestrians to wait.
- New kerb and channel to provide grade separation between pedestrians and vehicles on the northern side of the crossing (school side).
- New catchpits near the crossing to improve stormwater capacity.
- New slow with red surfacing are planned on either approach to the crossing to further advise drivers to reduce speeds in advance of the crossing.
- New ramp with a gentler gradient to make it safer for mobility impaired users.
- New yellow tactiles to improve noticeability of the crossing for visually impaired users.
Surrounding Infrastructure
Our Response
The planned stairs are provided as an alternative access option. The existing concrete footpath will be retained and remain available for use, consistent with the current arrangement.
A new ramp is planned for the eastern side of the crossing to provide a gentler gradient and improve accessibility for mobility‑impaired users. The ramp will connect to the existing footpath on Victory Road.
Visibility and Parking
Our Response
The installation of a ramp (item 3) and new broken yellow lines will reduce the visual obstruction caused by a parked vehicle.
Following construction, we will continue to monitor the area and investigate if any changes are justified.
Victory Road Slip Repairs – Full Road Closure
Community have raised an interest into the Victory Road Slip Repairs.
Our response
Two slips on Victory Road require significant repair works. Fulton Hogan will begin repairs on Monday 16 March 2026, mainly between 143–159 Victory Road, Laingholm, with works expected to continue until July 2026.
To manage safety during construction:
- Weekdays: Victory Road will be fully closed 24/7, with residents required to use detour routes.
- Weekends: One-way traffic will operate under traffic lights.
- Emergency access: Vehicles will be piloted through the site during attended hours; detours apply during unattended hours.
- The road will remain closed even when no work is underway.
- Resident access within the closed section will follow a defined access plan.
- Detours: Via Laingholm Drive and/or Warner Park Avenue.
- Residents are asked to park considerately due to increased traffic on detour routes.
Bus impacts:
Bus route 171 and affected school buses will be diverted. Several stops will be temporarily closed, with passengers redirected mainly to Woodlands Park Roundabout or Laingholm School. Customers are advised to check the AT Mobile App for updated routes and timings.
Engagement closed
The engagement for this project has now closed, and we will inform the community about the engagement outcome soon.
About this project
We're improving safety at the crossing outside Laingholm Primary School on Victory Road.
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, school whānau & local community.
The changes we’re making:
- Raising the existing zebra crossing to slow drivers on approach, ensures people crossing can be seen by motorists and is smoother for buses and large vehicles.
- Upgrading the footpath on either side of the crossing. One side with new handrailing and concrete stairs.
- Installing new road markings, signages and lighting associated with the upgraded zebra crossing.
- Applying planned restricted parking to two spaces. Times are from 7:30am to 8:30am and 2:30pm to 3:30pm.
Benefits for your community:
- Easier for everyone – Makes it safer and easier for children, their parents and caregivers, people with different accessibility needs to cross safely.
- Improves your health and wellbeing 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 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 by 22 December 2025.
You may also leave us a comment below, open to both registered and non-registered users.
