Auckland Council has approved a major upgrade at the intersection of Ngapipi Road and Tamaki Drive.
As illustrated, the upgrade will involve:
- Reconfiguring of traffic lanes on both Tamaki Drive and Ngapipi Road to improve vehicle flows;
- A new traffic signal controlled intersection;
- The provision of on-road cycle lanes along Tamaki Drive;
- Cycle boxes at the intersection;
- Upgrading and moving of bus stops on Tamaki Drive;
- Improved footpaths, lighting, signage and public seating;
- Provision of pedestrian crossings; and
- Stormwater network upgrades.
Up to 1750m2 of reclamation along both Tamaki Drive and Ngapipi Road will be required, to enable these improvements whilst avoiding the need for works to occur in close proximity to coastal cliffs or requiring removal of any significant Pohutukawa trees.
The reclamation will be finished with a basalt seawall to match the existing coastal edge.
Construction of the upgraded intersection will require approximately 6000m3 of earthworks for the reclamation, while tree works will include the removal of two Houpara trees, works within the dripline of 34 trees and the trimming of 12 trees.
As reported earlier, this upgrade is a substantial undertaking and is considered a top intersection safety improvement project for Auckland. 31 crashes have been recorded at this intersection in the past 5 years, with 25 resulting in injury.