What’s planned for SH3 Napier Road?
Key features of the improvements include traffic lights at the intersection of SH3 and Roberts Line, improved walking and cycling facilities between Keith Street and Roberts Line, pedestrian refuge islands to help people cross SH3, a widened centreline from Roberts Line to Stoney Creek Road, and stormwater facilities to better capture and treat water running off the road.
Why are you making safety improvements?
The intersections along this stretch of road have a poor safety record. Between 2011-2020, there were three people killed and 80 people injured in crashes on this road.
Community members have also shared their concerns about being able to use the road safely.
In response to the changing environment around SH3 Napier Road and the resulting road safety issues, we have introduced new permanent speed limits and are planning to make safety improvements to infrastructure between Keith Street and Stoney Creek Road.
SH3 Napier Road safety improvements are delivering to New Zealand’s Road Safety Strategy, Road to Zero 2020 – 2030, which aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads by 40% by 2030.
Road to Zero – NZ’s road safety strategy
When will construction on the improvements begin?
The timeline for construction is yet to be confirmed; we will be able to update stakeholders and the community once the detailed design phase is complete. Construction of the improvements is subject to funding approval.
How much will the project cost?
The cost for the infrastructure improvements is currently being confirmed.
Will you make improvements at Keith Street, James Line, and Stoney Creek Road?
The proposed traffic lights at the intersection of Roberts Line and SH3 will calm traffic, improving safety at the Keith Street, James Line, and Stoney Creek Road intersections.
We also plan to widen the centreline from Roberts Line to Stoney Creek Road and improve walking and cycling facilities between Keith Street and Roberts Line.
Will you make improvements at the intersection of Upper Main Street and SH3 Napier Road?
Waka Kotahi is aware of safety concerns with the intersection of Upper Main Street and SH3 Napier Road. The proposed traffic lights at the intersection of SH3 and Roberts Line are expected to create gaps in traffic which will make the intersection at Upper Main Street easier to use.
Why were traffic lights chosen for the intersection instead of a roundabout?
Traffic lights were deemed to be the best solution for the intersection of SH3 Napier Road and Roberts Line as they require less land than a roundabout to implement. Traffic lights, combined with changes to speed limits and the other infrastructure improvements will enhance safety at the intersection.
Will traffic lights cause traffic to build up on the road?
The environment around this stretch of road is shifting from rural use to urban use. Small queues at traffic lights are common in urban areas.
Why have you proposed installing raised safety platforms?
Raised safety platforms encourage people to slow down when approaching an intersection, providing a safer, slow-speed crossing space for pedestrians.
Raised safety platforms are used in higher speed areas to reduce the likelihood of crashes at crossings and turns, and where people who walk or cycle are at a higher risk of being injured, such as around intersections or roundabouts.
Raised safety platforms at signalised intersections or roundabouts can reduce crashes resulting in deaths and serious injuries by up to 40 percent.
How will the improvements make the area safer for cyclists and pedestrians?
The proposed improvements include walking and cycling facilities between Keith Street and Roberts Line and the construction of pedestrian refuge islands. The traffic lights would also include pedestrian and cycle crossings.
How will you address drainage issues around the road?
The proposed improvements include improvements to stormwater facilities to better capture and treat water running off the road. More information about these improvements will be released once detailed design is complete.
Will there be further speed changes along the road?
Speed limits work together with infrastructure on the ground. This means we’re also considering an urban speed limit from Roberts Line on the approach into Palmerston North. The traffic lights are being designed to support a speed of 60km/h.
Will the improvements support future development in the area?
Yes, the improvements are being designed to support residential growth in the area.
