Community consultation

We heard from the community that a solution was needed immediately to improve safety at the Coatesville/Riverhead Highway and SH16 intersection. We assessed the intersection to see if there were any interim options that we could deliver that were quick, cost effective and didn’t require consents or land acquisition.

While we’re working on the design for the permanent improvements, we have banned right-turns out of Coatesville/Riverhead Highway onto SH16.

The right turn ban makes it safer for people using the intersection and helps traffic flow more smoothly along SH16 while we complete the design and secure the approvals needed to construct a new roundabout. This is an interim solution and we know that it will not solve all of the issues in this area which is why we remain focussed on delivering the permanent improvements as quickly as we can.

• Improves safety for all road users.
• Helps traffic flow more smoothly along the corridor.
• Improves safety at the SH16 intersection by reducing the number of conflicting movements.
• Ensures right turning vehicles from SH16 will only have one access point, preventing vehicles from entering the wrong lane.

If you are travelling from Riverhead, the alternative route adds approximately 100 metres to your journey. For people who live off Coatesville/Riverhead Highway between SH16 and Old Railway Road, the journey is no more than 3.7km longer.

This project is about improving safety and efficiency for all road users. A left turn slip lane was considered in the early stages of the project and ruled out for these reasons:

• At the moment the stop sign at the intersection enables safe turning movements, as people slow down to stop and look for a gap before merging. A left turn slip lane has the potential risk of high severity crashes due people not slowing down to merge with traffic on SH16.
• The conflict between vehicles turning left onto SH16 would likely just move further along the highway. It will also make it dangerous for the properties on the corner of the intersection to enter and exit their driveways.
• A left turn slip lane will require additional cost and time to implement, delaying any improvements and will become redundant once a permanent roundabout is constructed.

This section of highway was assessed during the speed limit review for Brigham Creek to Waimauku between 2019-2020. It was determined that the existing 80km/h speed limit was the appropriate speed.

New permanent speed limits were implemented in September 2020 between Kumeū and Waimauku. The community was consulted in October-November 2019. More information is available on the project page:

SH16 Brigham Creek to Waimauku permanent speed limits

Not as part of this project. Auckland Transport are in charge of local road improvements and are investigating future safety improvements at these intersections. We will share your concerns with them.

No, changes to the Taupaki roundabout are not part of the project scope.

Traffic lights are not a quick solution and would require a larger footprint and cost significantly more than we have budget for as an interim solution. They are not within scope of this short-term work. 

As part of our long-term work, a roundabout was the preferred choice for the community.

Dynamic lanes are not recommended on a high-speed network, which SH16 is considered as. Safety is the key consideration for this project, and safety risks increase on dynamic lanes when there are access ways on both sides of the corridor and at intersections. There are also increased safety risks for on-road cyclists.

Dynamic lanes also require additional land which comes at a cost. This would not be a quick solution, nor is it within scope or budget of the project.

We have consulted with the community on multiple occasions throughout the life of the project and this feedback has been considered and integrated into the current detailed design.

Along with the previous community consultation, we are working closely with mana whenua, Rodney Local Board and people with property close the project to get their views. We have heard that the community wants us to get on with the project. The focus of our engagement will be with potentially affected landowners along SH16.

NZTA will use feedback and technical information to confirm the final design and obtain the necessary permissions (Resource Consents and Notices of Requirement) to upgrade the highway.

A future Alternative State Highway will be a new route extending the existing North Western Motorway from Brigham Creek Road to State Highway 16 east of Waimauku. The Alternative State Highway has been identified as a Road of National Significance in the draft GPS 2024 as a major transport project that, once completed, will support economic growth and productivity, reduce congestion, improve safety, support housing development, and provide a more resilient roading network.

Road of National Significance

Alternative State Highway