Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Plans to improve the state highway network in Dunedin are due to be finalised by the end of this year after encouraging and constructive feedback received from the community.
Earlier this year, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) sought public views on two separate proposals for state highways through Dunedin:
- Changes to support the successful integration of State Highway 1 (SH1) and State Highway 88 (SH88) with the new Dunedin Hospital and central city, and to ensure the safe and efficient operation of SH1.
- Changes to make it safer and easier to use Dunedin’s SH1 one-way system, from the Pine Hill Road/Great King Street intersection to the Anderson Bay Road/SH1 intersection.
That community feedback is captured in summaries and reports now available:
“Encouragingly, the feedback we’ve received is largely supportive of our proposals to enhance safety and make travel more efficient on the state highways through Dunedin,” says NZTA Regional Manager for System Design in the South Island, Richard Osborne.
“This feedback will help us further develop and refine our plans, working with partners such as the Dunedin City Council, so that we get the best outcomes for the city.”
“The new Dunedin Hospital is going to be a very important development for the city, and our focus here has been mainly on SH88, including enhancing pedestrian safety near the new hospital, with a proposed Barnes Dance Crossing (where all pedestrians cross the road at once). We also proposed moving SH88 from St Andrew Street to Frederick Street.”
“Feedback was mostly positive about the proposed improvements, recognising the value of the Barnes Dance crossing for safe pedestrian access to the hospital. There was less support for associated changes such as removing the right hand turn from SH88 St Andrew Street onto SH1 Cumberland Street to make space and time for the increased number of pedestrians, and for removal of parking to help increase safety and efficiency.”
“When it comes to the SH1 safety improvements, overall there was support for the proposed changes, particularly for those improving visibility, reducing crash risk, and enhancing pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure in high-demand areas.”
“One of the greatest concerns was around potential parking reductions in busy locations particularly near Duke Street, Queens Gardens and key bus stops. Respondents also emphasised the importance of maintaining access for students, hospital visitors and local businesses.
“The intention is to finalise the plans for both sets of proposals by the end of 2025 and applying for funding for the next stage in early 2026. We will share publicly what those finalised plans are in due course.”
A visual of the proposed Barnes Dance crossing for access to the new Dunedin Hospital.
