We're working on improving Dunedin’s SH1 one-way system to enhance safety, improve access at key locations, and maintain efficient traffic flow. These enhancements will ensure SH1 remains a reliable and efficient transport route through the city.
We're working on a plan to make Dunedin’s SH1 one-way system better. Our goal is to:
These improvements are important for our city, ensuring safety and accessibility while supporting new growth.
The project focuses on the SH1 one-way system from the intersection at Pine Hill Road/Great King Street to the Andersons Bay Road/SH1 intersection at The Oval. It builds on earlier work we did in 2023, when it was decided to keep the existing one-way system. You can find out more about that work here:
Shaping Future Dunedin Transport
We plan to share more information about our plans for SH1 around the New Dunedin Hospital alongside potential improvements to SH88 St Andrew Street, later in 2025.
The interactive map below shows the proposed safety improvements along the Dunedin SH1 one-way system.
Click on the map symbols to learn about the planned improvements for that location.
Subject to funding and consenting, these improvements are expected to be delivered over the next 2-5 years and include:
SH1 Dunedin safety improvement interactive map(external link)
Other smaller safety improvements include:
As part of our planning, we are seeking your feedback by Friday 23 May, on a number of key safety improvements along the SH1 one-way system.
To follow are more detailed plans and information about the key features of the proposed SH1 Dunedin safety improvement options.
We have been concerned about safety at the Pine Hill Road/Great King Street intersection because drivers have limited visibility, which increases the risk of accidents. We have explored various options to improve safety while keeping traffic flowing smoothly.
Our preferred solution is to move the SH1 northbound lane about 10 meters into a small area of the Town Belt to improve visibility and safety for drivers at the intersection. This will also make the intersection more efficient for those driving to North East Valley.
This option includes:
The plan below shows the proposed safety improvements.
Suggested Pine Hill Road/Great King Street SH1 northbound traffic lane realignment.
The proposed realignment of the SH1 northbound traffic lane will impact about 1,000m² of the Dunedin Town Belt. We will work with the Dunedin City Council to figure out ways to compensate for the loss of land, trees, and plants where appropriate. Any changes to the Town Belt will require a further process, guided by the Dunedin Town Belt Management Plan and legislation. More information about this process will be available later in 2025 as our planning progresses.
See the slider map that shows the proposed changes to the current realignment of Pine Hill/ Great King Street and how they would affect the Dunedin Town Belt.
View the slider map(external link)
(Slide the arrow across the image to see the proposed changes).
One option explored was to move the limit line (where vehicles must stop at an intersection) on Great King Street forward to improve driver visibility uphill. All other traffic movements at the intersection would stay the same. However, investigation showed that this change would not reduce the current safety risks at the intersection.
Another option considered was to add traffic signals to the intersection, with advance warning signs on the SH1 southbound downhill lane, and new crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. However, after consulting with stakeholders, including freight operators, this option was not pursued due to the safety risk of a heavy vehicle travelling downhill suffering from loss of control not being able to stop
A further option we investigated was to build an overpass at the intersection. This would take Great King Street traffic over SH1. This option hasn’t been progressed due to significant costs and construction challenges, including the proximity to the Water of the Leith and the effects on the surrounding environment.
CloseThe SH1 Cumberland/ Duke Street intersection has been identified as a safety concern due to the number and type of crashes. There were nine crashes at this intersection between 2019 and 2023. Two thirds involved drivers driving directly across the highway.
To improve safety and reduce the number of crashes, we are proposing the following changes:
These improvements will make this intersection safer and more efficient for everyone. The plan below shows the proposed safety improvements.
CloseWe have several safety improvements planned for SH1 northbound near Queens Gardens. With the new ACC building on Dowling Street opening at the end of 2025 accommodating over 800 staff, pedestrian activity in the area will increase significantly. To address the safety risks posed by higher foot traffic and fast-moving vehicles, we are proposing upgrades that will improve pedestrian crossings while ensuring efficient traffic flow.
The proposed safety improvements include:
To make these improvements we need to:
The plan below shows the proposed safety improvements.
CloseWe plan to change the layout of the SH1 northbound bus stop at Malcolm St/Frederick St and the SH1 southbound bus stop between Hanover Street and St Andrew St to make it safer and easier for buses to enter and leave the stops. This will:
To make the improvements possible at the SH1 northbound bus stop at Malcolm St/Frederick St, we plan to remove two parking spaces next to the bus stop and replace them with no stopping restrictions (yellow lines).
At the Castle St/St Andrew St bus stop we are planning to move the bus stop forward to outside Pioneer Energy. This change will require the removal of 4 parking spaces, with 3 parking spaces being added where the old bus stop was. This bus stop relocation will see the loss of just 1 parking space in total
CloseWe need your feedback on the proposed SH1 Dunedin safety improvements to help with our decision-making.
The key features we are seeking your feedback on include:
Fill in the online survey(external link)
