Positive change is coming to Onewa Road, after Kaipātiki Local Board endorsed modifications suggested by Auckland Transport (AT) to ease congestion on the North Shore’s busiest road.

AT’s Road Network Optimisation Manager Chris Martin says 30,000 vehicles travel along Onewa Road every day, and that number is only going to grow as the area’s population increases.

“To keep our city moving we are making smarter, more dynamic use of our roads, footpaths and cycleways,” says Mr Martin.

“In this case, the changes we’ve proposed will make Onewa Road more productive for the thousands of people who use it every day, not only in in peak times, but especially in off peak times as well.”

So, what’s changing on Onewa Road?

The most significant change on Onewa Road will be the addition of broken yellow lines on both sides from Birkenhead Avenue to Lake Road, which will make it a 24/7 clearway.

This will mean no vehicles will be able to stop or park on this busy stretch of the road at any time, ensuring a consistent flow of traffic at all times of the day and night.

Other changes include:

• “Keep Clear” markings installed across the Birkenhead Avenue/Hammond Place intersection and the middle lane from Birkenhead Avenue will be designated for through and right-hand turn traffic only.
• New pedestrian crossing technology has been installed on crossings adjacent to St Mary’s Church and Northcote College and the bus stop near the church will be upgraded to provide all weather cover.
• AT will work with St Mary’s Church to find parking solutions on side streets for parishioners.
• Installation of new parking information signs on Seaview Avenue.
• The replacement of a clearway on Nutsey Avenue, near Northcote Primary School, with broken yellow lines to stop parked cars from bottlenecking and impeding traffic flow on the street.

Chris Martin says technology is helping to keep traffic moving.

“New transport infrastructure is important but it’s also expensive, and so we’re adopting new technologies and systems to use our finite space and funding better.

“Motorists, people on bikes and pedestrians want to know they won’t have to wait long at intersections. Smart technology, using CCTV and sensors, helps traffic move faster and safer.”

When will these changes come into effect?

Onewa Road users and locals can expect to see work starting on the project later this year in summer when schools are closed.

“The work is being undertaken in conjunction with regular road maintenance in the area to ensure local residents and road users aren’t affected twice by lane closures and road works,” says Chris Martin.

“Our aim is to have the project completed and the changes bedded in by the time the school year starts in 2026.”

What are the key benefits for Onewa Road users?

Making Onewa Road a full-time clearway will help vehicles move more efficiently every day of the week, including weekends. It will also reduce the number of crashes related to queuing and obstruction which made up nearly half of the 140 crashes reported on Onewa Road from 2019 to 2023.

Notes:

• AT’s Network optimisation team conducted a study on Onewa Road in October 2024 and noted key changes we could make within the existing road space to improve people’s journeys.
• We met with some key stakeholders prior to consultation between October 2024 and January 2025. These included all three schools on Onewa Road, St Mary’s Catholic Church and local business associations.
• We then asked the public and the Kaipātiki Local Board for feedback on our proposed low-cost, low disruption solutions between 10 March and 6 April.
• We engaged with an online survey, brochures, targeted social media ads, community group meetings and news releases, reaching almost 230,000 people.
• 83% of responders said these changes will improve their experience travelling around the area of the pedestrian crossing by St Mary’s Church (by car or foot).
• The Kaipātiki Local Board endorsed all the proposed optimisation in late July.

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