Opening up the intersection for people walking and on bikes
A major upgrade of the intersection of Rongotai Road, Onepu Road and Evans Bay Parade began in October 2023. It is expected to be complete about September 2024.
The upgrade will make it easier for pedestrians to get to and from the existing bus hub, which was completed several years ago. It will also link with existing bike lanes and paths, and connect with new ones planned.
It is not a part of the Kilbirnie connections project, but will complement the other changes happening in the area to make low and zero-carbon trips in the Kilbirnie area possible for more people.
We’ll be simplifying the intersection, better aligning traffic lanes and resealing to make driving through and turning at this intersection safer and easier.
We’ll also be making the intersection a whole lot better for pedestrians. People walking will be able to press the button and safely cross all four sides of this intersection rather than just the two directions they can cross in now.
In addition to the places you can cross now, you’ll be able to safely get from:
- one side of the bus hub to the other
- the corner of Evans Bay Parade across to Pak n Save.
The intersection will also be safer for people on bikes. There will be dual signalised bike and pedestrian crossings and wait areas at all corners of the intersection.
As part of the work, the nearby pedestrian crossing on Rongotai Road has been moved to a safer location between Mahora and Ross streets where it will provide easier access to nearby bus stops.
Following a burst pipe in the area in 2022, Wellington Water has already completed upgrade work in this vicinity. Stormwater connections and sumps are being upgraded as the intersection work happens.
Next steps
Detailed design for the intersection improvements and an independent safety audit have been completed. Construction is due to start in October 2023. If you have questions, you can email kilbirnieconnections@wcc.govt.nz