A policy on clearance heights for structures over Auckland City roads has been approved by Auckland City Council’s Transport and Roading Committee.

“Establishing criteria for heights above roadways has been identified as a priority action within the Draft Heavy Commercial Vehicle Policy which is currently out for consultation with the industry,” says committee chairwoman Councillor Catherine Harland.

“Previously, the Council did not have a defined policy and with requests growing for pedestrian and traffic bridges, ad hoc responses are no longer sufficient”.

Consultation occurred with the transport industry and emergency services. Transit New Zealand standards were reviewed, along with those that apply in Australia and America.

The committee approved standards that apply to permanent structures such as traffic and pedestrian bridges, non-permanent structures such as traffic signs and utility service equipment and temporary structures such as advertising banners and public notices.

“The policy presents a simple set of criteria that offers consistency across the city’s road network and is acceptable to the transport industry,” says Councillor Harland.

The new vertical height clearance criteria for all structures over roadways within Auckland City are:

Road Class Minimum Height Clearance
Over Dimension Routes 6.5 metres
Arterial/Collector Roads 5.3 metres
Local Roads/Service Lanes 5.3 metres (This may be reduced to 4.9m in unique circumstances. For example, technical difficulties in achieving 5.3m clearance height or undue adverse impacts of achieving the differential between 4.9m and 5.3m. In any event the Council must be satisfied that safety is not compromised.)

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Councillor Catherine Harland, tel: 636 8464.

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