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3 May 2024
Upcoming road closures / traffic management
Over the next few months there will be several road closures and continued traffic management associated with this work as we move closer to completion. Our timeframes are indicative at this stage but give you an idea of what is coming up:
Streetlights
Just a reminder, the streetlights are out in some sections as we relocate and reconnect light poles along Papakōwhai Rd. This means extended periods of time where some of the lights won’t be operational.
Project update
Between Whitford Brown Ave and Tweed Rd
In the past couple of weeks, we have installed (but not turned on) the new streetlights, asphalted the shared path and started the drainage work required at the Police College intersection.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will be finishing the rest of the asphalting and doing the landscaping. We will also be constructing the raised table at the Police College entranceway and laying the last of the streetlight ducting in this section.
Between Tweed Rd and Romesdale Rd
We’ve continued preparations for the shared path, almost completed the drainage and installed the new streetlights (but not turned on).
Over the next couple of weeks, we will do final preparations for asphalting the shared path and will do the concrete path pour at the Romesdale intersection. We’ll also be topsoiling and grassing behind the new path.
Romesdale Rd to Brora Cres
In the past fortnight we have asphalted the shared path and will now start topsoiling and grass seeding behind the path. Coming up we will also be removing and installing the new streetlights in this section.
Between Whitford Brown Ave and Tweed Rd
In the past couple of weeks, we have completed 95% of the electric cable ducting, we have disconnected and removed the streetlights and installed the new streetlight connection points. We continued preparing the shared path to be ready for surfacing.
In the next fortnight we will relocate the gas mains, the new streetlights will be installed (but not connected up yet) and the shared path will be asphalted.
There will be road closures and stop/go in place at the Police College entranceway so that new drainage can be installed, and the new raised pedestrian crossing can also be installed.
Between Tweed Rd and Romesdale Rd
We’ve continued preparations for the shared path. With this 95% completed, we’ve installed the new tactile pavers and the new kerb line.
The focus over the next couple of weeks is on continuing to install the boxing for the shared path, plus pouring concrete for the path, and laying topsoil and grass seed.
The Brora Cres/Romesdale Rd detours will continue to be in place.
Romesdale Rd to Brora Cres
Over the next fortnight we’re planning to remove the existing streetlights, asphalt the shared path in this section and topsoil and plant grass seed behind the new path.
From Monday 15 April we will be disconnecting some of the light poles along Papakōwhai Rd as part of the new shared path work.
We need to relocate these light poles out of the way of the new path meaning there will be extended periods of time when sections of street lighting will not be operational. The light poles will be reconnected later by specialist contractors.
Between Whitford Brown Ave and Tweed Rd
In the past couple of weeks we have completed the retaining wall outside the Police College entrance and continued preparation work for the shared path.
Next week we begin removing some of the streetlights and installing the new ones. Please note these lights will be reconnected later in the project so will not be operational immediately.
Relocation of the gas pipes will also take place.
Between Tweed Rd and Romesdale Rd
We’ve continued preparations for the shared path; installing the base layer and the new kerb line.
Next week installation of the base layer will continue, and we’ll be constructing the boxing for the shared path.
Romesdale Rd to Brora Cres
Over the next fortnight we’re planning to remove existing streetlights in this section and to install new ones. Again, please note reconnection will happen later in the project so there will be a period of time when these lights are not operational.
Once the light poles are removed, we will asphalt the shared path in this section.
Work is continuing along three different sections of Papakōwhai Rd.
Completion date
Our completion date is now October 2024. Originally planned to finish this winter, earthwork consenting delays and trailing different traffic management approaches to minimise disruption have meant an increase in timeframes.
To minimise disruption, we’re doing the largest sections of work first so once completed these can be handed back to the community while we finish off work at the intersections. This will decrease the traffic management areas required later in the year.
Street lighting
There will be extended periods of time where sections of street lighting along Papakōwhai Rd will be non-operational to allow for the relocation of streetlight poles. That’s because the existing poles lie within the footprint of the new path. These need to be disconnected and, ideally, relocated so the new path can be laid. Reconnection may not be immediately possible due to specialist contractor availability meaning there will be times when sections of streetlight poles are not operational.
Project update
Between Whitford Brown Ave and Tweed Rd
Excavation and pile drilling for the retaining wall outside the Police College entrance is under way. We’ve also been excavating the shared path.
Next we’ll continue work on the retaining wall and path. We’ll also be relocating gas pipes.
Between Tweed Rd and Romesdale Rd
The new drainage at the Romesdale Rd/Papakowhai Rd intersection has been installed, bulk excavations for the path have been completed and new kerb lines installed. More work was done on installing the base layer for the shared path.
Next we will continue with the base layer on the path and installing boxing along the path.
Romesdale Rd to Brora Cres
This week we’ve asphalted between the new kerb and the existing road and have been prepping the shared path for asphalting which will be done next week.
Work is progressing well along three different sections of Papakōwhai Rd.
Between Whitford Brown Ave and Tweed Rd
Stop/go traffic management remains in place while work continues on the retaining wall outside the Police College entrance. The excavated path opposite Aotea Lagoon has been temporarily opened to the public.
Next week excavation and pile drilling will happen at the retaining wall site. We’ll also be relocating underground gas pipes.
Between Tweed Rd and Romesdale Rd
Work has progressed well on the drainage at the Romesdale Rd/Papakowhai Rd intersection meaning that we should be able to partially reopen Romesdale Rd next week. Once this happens southbound traffic on Papakōwhai Rd will be rerouted up Romesdale Rd onto Tweed Rd and back down to Papakōwhai Rd. Papakōwhai Rd will remain open to northbound traffic.
We’ve also been excavating the shared path in this section and have partially installed the base layer. Next week we’ll be completing the path excavations and will continue with the base layer. We’ll also be installing boxing along the path.
Romesdale Rd to Brora Cres
This week we’ve been doing the final preparation for the path including timber boxing. Next week we’ll be asphalting the path and in between the new kerb and the existing road.
From Monday 4 March the Papakōwhai Rd / Romesdale Rd intersection will be closed for up to two weeks until Friday 15 March. (The work is planned to take one week but we have allowed a second week if the weather is poor, or we run into issues.)
This is part of the new Papakōwhai shared path work and relates to the stop/go measures and detours in place on Papakōwhai Rd for the next 6-8 weeks (see the update below from 23 February).
We are closing the intersection so we can do the drainage work and underground service ducting required.
We will be maintaining access to properties at all the times via Tweed Rd. Impacted residents have been advised.
While this road closure is in place:
An electronic signboard advising road users is in place.
From Monday 26 February 2024 there will be various detours and stop/go measures in place for 6-8 weeks along Papakōwhai Rd as we continue work on the new shared path.
Stop/go traffic management
Stop/go traffic management will be in place between Whitford Brown Ave and Tweed Rd from 9am-3pm weekdays. Outside of these hours we will be working off the road and behind the kerb lines so both lanes can remain open. This will help to minimise disruption during peak times.
Detours via Brora Cres/Romesdale Rd for southbound traffic on Papakōwhai Rd.
What to expect:
We will initially trial having the detours in place 24/7 to determine whether this is the least disruptive way of progressing the work. We will continually review this trial over the first week or two to decide whether we should continue with 24/7 detours or limit the detours to 9am-3pm (which would require daily set-up and take-down of the detours and could result in additional time required to complete the project).
Work has progressed well over the past few weeks as we’ve made the most of the summer weather.
Thank you for your patience as we work along Papakōwhai Rd, as well as keeping to the speed limits and following the traffic management instructions, so we can keep our crews safe as they work on the new shared path.
Just to recap: construction work is generally taking place between 7am – 6pm weekdays, with some weekend and night work possible. The project is expected to be completed by the end of this winter.
Between Whitford Brown Ave and Tweed Rd
Work on the section opposite Aotea Lagoon continues as we start on a second retaining wall close to the Police College entrance. We’re currently pulling up the old footpath and preparing the ground for the new shared path. This includes installing ducting for the lighting under the path.
All going well we expect this section of work to be completed by early June 2024.
Romesdale Rd to Brora Cres
We’ve poured the kerb and channel for a large portion of this section and construction of the shared path is starting. We have coordinated with Wellington Water so they could install a wastewater pipe under the intersection alleviating the need for them to come back at a later date and dig up what we’ve done.
All going well we’re hoping to have this section of the work completed by early April 2024.
Tweed Rd to Romesdale Rd
Once work on the two sections currently underway (as above) is completed we are planning to work on the remaining section of the shared path between Tweed Rd and Romesdale Rd.
Traffic management and detours
Just a reminder that as work progresses the layout of the temporary traffic management and detour routes may be subject to change.
Construction on the new Papakōwhai Rd shared path is underway, helping to make it easier to get around this part of Porirua. Traffic management measures and detours are in place to ensure the safety of our workers and of road users.
Construction work will generally take place between 7am – 6pm weekdays, with some weekend and night work possible. This project is expected to be completed by this winter.
What to expect on Papakōwhai Rd:
Other traffic management that may be in place includes:
Where possible please use alternative routes and expect delays.
We now have two active construction sections operating along Papakōwhai Rd as part of the new shared path project.
The first section is opposite Aotea Lagoon and includes work on the retaining wall outside the Police College and construction of the new shared path.
The second section of work on Papakōwhai Rd runs from opposite the bottom of Langwell Pl to just north of Romesdale Rd. This section will include constructing the new shared path and installing a raised zebra crossing at the Romesdale Rd intersection.
Traffic management is in place which will affect road users and roadside parking outside the lagoon. Parking will be reinstated, where possible, after 3pm. The lagoon carparks will remain open at all times.
A detour is also in place to allow for the safety of contractors as they work to widen the path and undertake the other work associated with the project.
Detour / traffic management details:
Expect delays and please consider using alternative routes.
Visit the coffee cart at the southern Aotea Lagoon car park
The coffee cart is up and running in its new location. This is a temporary spot until work is finished – pop in and say hi!
Check out the aerial video showing how the Whitford Brown Avenue intersection and Papakōwhai Road area currently look.
A new shared pathway is being constructed along the eastern side of Papakōwhai Rd to improve the connection between key locations including Aotea College, Aotea Lagoon, Paremata School and Paremata Railway Station. Construction began in November 2023.
The shared pathway will also form part of the Te Araroa Trail and tie in with a planned upgrade of the Papakōwhai Rd and Whitford Brown Ave intersection.
This shared path supports the Council's objectives to reduce emissions and focus on moving towards a more climate-resilient way of life.
It is fully funded by the Government’s Transport Choices fund (led by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency).
The Transport Choices fund is about making changes to streets and the way people use them. This is to enable people to take alternative modes of transport for their activities or commute (i.e. embrace walking, cycling or public transport as a means of travel).
View a plan of the shared pathway works
View an overview poster of the shared pathway project
View an overview poster of the pump track for Aotea Lagoon
View a map of the traffic management zones
Construction on the new Papakōwhai Rd shared path is under way, meaning various traffic management measures and detours are in place to ensure the safety of our workers and of road users. Residents’ access will be retained.
Construction work is generally taking place between 7am – 6pm weekdays, with some weekend and night work possible. The project is expected to be completed in October 2024.
What to expect on Papakōwhai Rd
Other traffic management that may be in place includes:
Where possible please use alternative routes and expect delays.
How the work is being undertaken
The entire site has been split into 5 individual zones as shown below – the initial three sites operating will be 1, 3 and 5. This is to help minimise the disruption caused by completing the work as one large site.
See a map of the traffic management zones
Detours will be in place from time to time
As we work through the different construction zones, different detours and traffic management may be put in place during the hours of 7am – 6pm. Detours will be used as-needed and will depend on which activities are being undertaken and what is being constructed. Access for residents will be retained.
The initial temporary traffic management for zones 1, 3 and 5 is expected to be in place for several months, with work on zones 2 and 4 programmed to follow. All work is expected to be completed by winter.
What to expect:
When the Brora Cres detour is in place:
Romesdale Rd detour and traffic management:
Tweed Rd
As work progresses, the layout of the temporary traffic management and detour routes may be subject to change. We will keep you posted on changes.
This project is about more than just a shared pathway, it’s about making a safer, more attractive environment for all. Key features include:
Construction began in November 2023 with work scheduled for completion in October 2024.
This project does have a tight timeframe for construction so will be delivered in sections with the potential for some work to be completed later in a subsequent funding round.
Why are you moving parking?
This is a safety issue. Parking on Papakōwhai Road by the southern pedestrian overbridge to the railway station will be moved back approximately 80 metres to allow for narrowing the road, widening the shared path, and the installation of a raised zebra crossing. Moving this parking ensures there is enough width for all users, and provides the required visibility to the crossing.
Congested parking at Aotea Lagoon – what can you do about it?
We are currently working with the Police College to limit staff parking along Papakōwhai Rd and provide more available parking to Lagoon users. The Police College is also implementing procedures internally to limit the number of staff utilising the on-street parking.
Can you put in more parking at Aotea Lagoon?
We are currently not looking at putting more parking in at Aotea Lagoon as the aim of this project is to encourage other modes of travel rather than cars. By putting more carparks in, we would be encouraging more car usage. We are however, trying to minimize parking loss.
Can we have recessed or angle parking to create more parking?
Due to space requirements, land ownership and cost there are currently no plans to implement additional angle parking.
Isn’t it dangerous for children and cyclists to be sharing the same path?
We believe that the path will be wide enough for both cyclists and pedestrians to coexist on the path. The current path is used by pedestrians and cyclists concurrently and is considerably narrower than the new path.
Why can’t you spend this money on fixing the roads?
There are separate budgets for regular maintenance and emergency repairs to the roading network. No money spent on Transport Choices projects is taken from regular maintenance or emergency repair funding. Transport Choices projects are funded by Waka Kotahi from Government’s Climate Emergency Response Fund, which is resourced via the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Will all the current power poles be relocated away from the proposed shared path and where will they be situated?
No. There are plans to relocate six power poles situated at the northern end of Papakōwhai Rd to maximise the shared path width and prevent a narrow pinch point. All other power poles will remain in their current location.
The view lines for pedestrians crossing south to north at Romesdale Rd intersection with Papakōwhai Rd are obscured by the overgrown vegetation at the bottom of the street – will this be addressed?
Yes. As part of the design process sight lines and visibility for both path users and road users has been assessed. As a result, vegetation will be cleared where required to ensure these sight line remain clear.
Transport Choices FAQs
Why are you trying to force people out of cars?
National and local government policy to offer more transport options is not about taking away from people who drive. It is about giving people the chance to choose to cycle, walk or use public transport to get around their neighbourhoods safely and cost-effectively, while reducing their impact on climate change.
What are raised tables?
It is important that crossing points are safe to use for everyone. Ensuring vehicle speeds are low at a crossing point ensures that should a crash occur, it is unlikely to result in a death or serious injury, because speed is the biggest determining factor to how much harm is caused in a crash.
Raised safety platforms are an elevated section of road, installed on the approach to areas of higher risk, such as intersections and pedestrian crossings, that are designed to slow traffic. If something happens, vehicles are travelling slowly enough to give people time to react and avoid a crash. If a crash does happen, people are much more likely to survive and avoid serious injury if the impact is at a slower speed.
In addition, raised pedestrian platforms are safer for people walking where there are no controlled crossings, international research has shown them to reduce death and serious injuries by around 40 per cent.
A new pump track was installed early December 2023 at Aotea Lagoon as part of the shared pathway project.
The pump track is a loop of mounds and curves providing the ultimate riding experience with perfect geometry for rhythm and flow for those on bikes, scooters, roller blades, roller skates and skateboards.
Intersection improvements and safer crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists are planned for the Whitford Brown Avenue / Papakōwhai Road intersection.
As growth continues in this area it is important to provide safe crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists using this strategic corridor between Porirua and Paremata. This helps make it easier for people to get around the city without having to always jump in a car – one of the Council’s objectives to help reduce emissions and focus on moving towards a more climate-resilient way of life.
This work will also improve safety for motorists. Current wait times for motorists exiting Papakōwhai Road and turning right across Whitford Brown Avenue can be lengthy. This can lead to frustration and people pulling out when they shouldn’t. Since 2019 there have been 13 crashes on Papakōwhai Road and Whitford Brown Avenue (4 minor and 9 non-injury).
Project in design phase (December 2023)
The upgrade of the Whitford Brown Ave intersection with Papakōwhai Rd is in the design phase.
Construction may have to be deferred subject to budget announcements due in late June 2024.
When it goes ahead, the project will include signalised pedestrian crossings, traffic signals, an additional left turning lane out of Papakōwhai Rd, better lighting and a new raised pedestrian crossing at the southern entrance to Aotea Lagoon.
View a draft plan of the improvements
View an overview poster of the intersection improvements
Work includes:
The construction stage of this project may be deferred until the 2025/26 financial year. This is in line with the recent update from Council on managing the rates rises in the next Long-Term Plan (LTP) period, 2024-34 (see here for the media release).
We expect to hear in late June 2024 what the confirmed budget phasing for the next stage will be (i.e. after public consultation on the LTP).
Until budget phasing for the next stage is confirmed we will continue progressing the current design stage so we can resume this project ASAP.
There are already significant delays at Okowai Road at peak times – won’t this make that worse?
We are aware of the current issues on Okowai Road and have completed extensive modelling of the intersection in various scenarios to determine the best intersection option and the resultant effect to level of service and general operation following the intersection upgrade.
During peak school drop-off and pick-up times there will be a decrease in the level of service for Okowai Road during the red phase of the traffic signals for Whitford Brown traffic. The rest of time the modelling shows the level of service on Okowai Road will remain at a similar level.
We do have plans to investigate further improvements to Okowai and adjoining roads in the future to complement the main intersection upgrade. We propose to finalise construction of the new intersection, then monitor the post construction performance and impact to Okowai Road. Then we will be better educated to investigate an appropriate solution for the Okowai Road intersection.
Why don’t you improve the SH59 intersection?
The SH59 intersection is managed by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency so this is outside of Porirua City Council’s jurisdiction. As part of the Whitford Brown Avenue/ Papakōwhai Road intersection upgrade the new traffic signals will be coordinated with the existing signals on SH59 to minimise disruption.
Why did you choose traffic signals as the preferred option for the intersection?
The traffic signals option makes use of the existing road footprint without the need for any additional land purchase, while still providing improvements for traffic flow and road safety.
A roundabout option was considered but due to land requirements and cost this option was discounted. To install an appropriately sized roundabout a considerable amount of land would need to be purchased from private owners which is not always feasible.
How will the signals work so there are not massive tail backs?
Signals at the new intersection will be controlled via SCATS (Sydney coordinated adaptive traffic system) which allows remote adjustment to signal phasing should any significant delays occur. The proposed signals will be coordinated with the existing signals on SH59 to provide the maximum efficiency.
We are not anticipating a significant reduction in traffic throughput on Whitford Brown Avenue and transit times are not expected to be impacted by more than 40-50 seconds.
Wouldn’t it be better to have a roundabout at this intersection?
A roundabout would require the purchase of a significant amount of land due to the footprint require for an appropriately sized roundabout. This land is currently owned by private entities. In addition, there is potential for similar delays for right turning vehicles from Papakōwhai Road due to the large number of vehicles on Whitford Brown Avenue which is the dominant flow.
In addition:
Why have you chosen to merge two lanes into one where you have? Wouldn’t that be better further up Whitford Brown Avenue by Okowai Street?
We have tested this in our design software and what we have found is that there is insufficient width to allow for two uphill lanes, one downhill lane and a right turn lane while maintaining the minimum required lane widths and maintaining the cycle way up Whitford Brown. To achieve this, we would need to realign the existing kerb and footpath opposite Okowai Road to provide the sufficient width, however this is not achievable within the current project budget.
We would also be required to remove the on-road cycle path to provide the required width, this goes against our project objective to improve the safety of all road users and provide suitable facilities to encourage walking and cycling.
It is also likely that this will would not resolve congestion as a merge from two lanes to one is still required at some point. The current merge location meets the minimum visibility requirements and has been chosen as there is ample forward visibility for road users to perceive the merge. Moving the merging point further up adjacent to Okowai Road introduces significant safety concerns as the merge will conflict with right turning vehicles from Okowai Road.
As part of the project, new markings and signage will be installed to meet current standards. This will provide road users with advanced warning of the upcoming merge which will assist in highlighting the merge point while encourage correct merging practices.
We will monitor the completed intersection performance and if required complete further work, we are committed to getting it right.
If you have any questions? Please email us.
