With the Interislander ferry terminal in a new location, we’re getting underway with improvements to the road network around Picton. This work will improve the way vehicles navigate Picton as they travel to and from the Picton Port by making the roading network safer and fit-for-purpose.
Since the relocation of the Interislander ferry terminal in 2023, all vehicles accessing the Bluebridge and Interislander must use Kent Street.
This has increased traffic volumes and pressures on Kent Street, rather than the State Highway 1 (SH1) route around Nelson Square/Wairau Road.
To relieve this pressure, we’re delivering improvements at three intersections:
We will also be altering the designation and revocation of the state highway and local roads. With Kent Steet now the main freight and vehicle route, we are changing the designation making Kent Street and Lagoon Road the new SH1. We need to formally change Kent Street to a state highway, which means we can also improve the infrastructure required to support increased volumes of traffic. We will also carry out safety improvements on Kent Street, outside the school. Auckland Street and Wairau Road would become local roads.
Altering the designation/revocation brings benefits to both the new state highway and the local road. The new state highway will have changes to crossing points and improved visibility from side roads. Kent Street as a state highway will have upgraded pavement maintenance and better connectivity for all road users. The Auckland Street and Wairau Road changes will create a quieter local road route for local residents.
The Resource Management Act 1991 allows for areas of land to be designated for public use, for things like roads, telecommunications facilities and schools. Once land is ‘designated’ in the district plan, this also provides the land use authorisations needed for that work under the Resource Management Act 1991. If a Requiring authority wants land designated for a particular purpose, it must submit a Notice of Requirement for a new designation to the local authority. This is similar to applying for resource consent.
We’re working to prepare a Notice of Requirement to alter part of the existing SH1 designation Wairau Road/ Nelson Square/Auckland Street will revert to being a local road and Wairau Road/Kent Street/Lagoon Road will become SH1. Both roads will be maintained by NZ Transport Agency Marlborough Roads.
With the designation of Kent Street as SH1, we will be carrying out safety improvements outside the school. We will move the zebra crossing on Kent Street to ensure it’s located where people would naturally cross the road.
We will work with Marlborough District Council, to consider a different type of school speed limit sign known as a variable speed limit (VSL). A VSL outside a school helps protect children traveling to and from school with a lower speed limit displayed during peak school time. Outside peak school time the usual speed limit would apply.
Please note, on-street parking removals and additions are approximate only, as parking spaces are not marked on most of the roads.
We will be upgrading the existing roundabout to improve access to and from the Bluebridge and Interislander ferry terminals for all vehicles.
The roundabout will improve safety for everyone using the road. The dual exit lane will increase capacity for ferry loading and unloading and will allow for a better flow of traffic exiting Lagoon Road onto Kent or Dublin streets. The free left turn from Queen Charlotte Drive onto Lagoon Road will also result in a safer, more efficient intersection.
A new refuge crossing will be installed on Lagoon Road to assist people crossing the road, particularly those foot passengers on Bluebridge ferry sailings.
Improved footpaths and cycle connections will also be included improving visibility to people driving through the roundabout. Utility services will be relocated, and streetlights will be upgraded at the same time.
To widen the road on Kent and Dublin Streets, we will remove 8 on-street parks on Dublin Street and 15 on-street parks on Kent Street. There will still be parking available in other areas on Dublin and Kent Streets.
Please note, on-street parking removals and additions are approximate only, as parking spaces are not marked on most of the roads.
We’re changing the priority of this intersection, which means changing where the give way or stop signs are placed.
The priority of traffic will change so that vehicles travelling on Dublin Street have the right of way and those travelling on Auckland Street give way, improving access into the Picton town centre and reduce queuing over the rail level crossing.
We will install 2 pedestrian refuge crossings. We will need to also remove 2 on-street parks on Dublin Street to ensure clear sight lines at the intersections. Streetlights will also be upgraded at this intersection site. These changes are needed regardless of any future changes with the ferries.
Please note, on-street parking removals and additions are approximate only, as parking spaces are not marked on most of the roads.
We’re changing the priority of this intersection, which means changing where give way or stop signs are placed. This will improve traffic flow to and from the port and help people navigating the local roads. To enable this change Kent Street will become the continuation of SH1 leading down to Lagoon Road and the port.
We’ll install a right-hand turn bay to provide people with access to Nelson Square. To allow for this change, and to improve safety at this intersection, Kent Street South will be closed.
We’re working with Marlborough District Council to ensure rubbish and recycling collection will be maintained for Kent Street South.
Access to the garage on Wairau Road will remain.
Changes to the access from Kent Street will be made to accommodate the closure of Kent Street South.
To accommodate the widened road, improve visibility and provide a shoulder for cyclists, we will need to remove 32 on-street parking spaces here.
We’ll improve footpaths, lighting and wayfinding to provide clear direction to people travelling to and from the ferry terminals and to the town centre.
Please note, on-street parking removals and additions are approximate only, as parking spaces are not marked on most of the roads.
To speak with the project team and find out more about these changes, come along to one of our drop-in sessions:
Picton Library and Service Centre
Waitohi Whare Mātauranga
2 Dublin Street
Picton
Tuesday 17 June at 3.30–4.30pm
Wednesday 18 June at 12:30-2pm and 6–7:30pm
After sharing these changes with impacted businesses, residents and the wider Picton community, we will finalise the designs for the intersection changes.
We’ll also prepare a Notice of Requirement (NOR) under the Resource Management Act 1991 to alter part of the existing SH1 designation and remove and revoke part of the existing SH1 designation on Wairau Road/Nelson Square/Auckland Street. Following community feedback, a technical report will be presented to Marlborough District Council. A decision is expected by early 2026. Delivery will happen at the same time as the other intersection works to minimise disruption to the local community.
We’re working towards starting construction of these upgrades in mid-2026, after the busy summer period to ensure minimal disruption to holidaymakers and local Picton businesses. We will work closely with businesses and the community to minimise any disruption during this staged work. Further updates around construction timings will be shared when they are confirmed.
