Intersection improvements

Roundabouts

We are trialling roundabouts to improve safety at some intersections. These intersections have problems with speed, traffic congestion, pedestrian and cyclist safety, a confusing or unclear road layout or drivers cutting corners.

Roundabouts will make these intersections safer, as all drivers are required to give way to the right and traffic must slow down. This also makes it safer for pedestrians to cross near the intersection.

The style of roundabout used will depend on the size and layout of the intersection. All roundabouts will be painted on the road and may have flexible bollards around the edge. In smaller intersections, raised rubber platforms will be used so large vehicles can cross over them when they are turning. Standard roundabout give way signs and markings will be installed on each approach to the intersection.

We will monitor how each roundabout is working and may make some further small changes.

When approaching a roundabout, vehicles should slow and give way to the right. Using indicators to show which way you’re travelling is important for other road users.

• Mailer / Lawrence Streets 

  Mornington: The Mailer Street – Lawrence Street trial roundabout were installed over one night from 6pm on 8 March to 6am on 9 March.

  

• George / St David / Park / Regent Streets 

  The George Street – St David Street – Regent Road – Park Street trial roundabout were installed over two nights. Work will commence from 6pm on 5 March to 6am on 6 March and from 9pm on 6 March to 6am on 7 March. The roundabout installation will require changing the carparks outside the Regent Road Night ‘n Day to angled parks.

  

• Hawthorn / Jubilee Streets

  The Hawthorn Avenue – Jubilee Street trial roundabout were installed over one night from 6pm on 9 March to 6am on 10 March.

  

• Teviot / Timaru Streets

  The Timaru Street – Teviot Street trial roundabout were installed over one night from 6pm on 7 March to 6am on 8 March. Yellow no parking lines will be painted at each corner of the Teviot Street – Timaru Street intersection to increase visibility and accommodate the roundabout.

  

• Do you make roundabouts permanent?

  Permanent roundabouts allow us to provide a safer intersection and better pedestrian connections. Using permanent materials reduces the amount of maintenance required and is more aesthetically pleasing.

• How do you know the trials have been successful?

  Observations have shown that after drivers got used to the roundabouts, they have allowed traffic to flow from all directions and have reduced traffic speed through the intersection. The reduced speeds have made the intersections easier for pedestrians to cross and reduced the risk of serious injury if a crash occurs. These are the main aims of trial roundabouts.

• What adjustments will be made when a roundabout is to become permanent?

  Adding raised platforms to slow vehicles and traffic islands where there is enough space will help to reduce speeds and allow placement of signs and control stormwater. Most roads will have a pedestrian refuge to allow pedestrians to cross the intersection in two stages. The centre circle will be raised but can still be mounted by vehicles if necessary.

• How do you decide what adjustments to make?

  We asked the NZ Fire Service if they could drive a fire truck around the roundabouts and we tracked the vehicle to see if it could get around the turns safely. Adjustments might need to be made where the fire appliance comes too close to obstacles like power poles. Other changes could be made to improve pedestrian connectivity and to control stormwater flow.