NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA)’s plan to make the Dunedin SH1 one-way system easier to use, safer for everyone and more efficient takes its next step from today (Tuesday, 15 April). People’s feedback is welcome from Tuesday to Friday, 23 May.

Running between The Oval and the Pine Hill Road/Great King St intersection, SH1 on Cumberland and Castle Streets, is a key freight and commuter route linking the north and south sides of the city. 

“In particular, NZTA wants to know what Dunedin people think of the preferred option for making the Pine Hill Road/SH1 and Great King St intersection safer and more functional for everyone,” says Ian Duncan, Acting Director of Regional Relationships for NZTA in Otago.  

The intersection is a key part of the SH1 one-way system into and through Dunedin, close to the Botanic Gardens and the entrance to North East Valley.

NZTA is now keen to hear what people think of its preferred option for this intersection, with several other proposed safety improvements to the SH1 one-way system, to help guide the next steps for this option.

“The SH1 proposed improvements are part of a business case which identifies ways to improve accessibility, supports new developments like the new Dunedin Hospital, while maintaining efficient traffic flow, and reduces risk for road users and pedestrians,” says Mr Duncan.  

He notes the long-standing safety concerns with increased risk of crashes because of limited visibility and heavy vehicles descending a steep hill at the SH1/ Pine Hill Road/Great King Street intersection.

“Our preferred option is to realign the SH1 traffic lane,” he says. “This would improve visibility and safety at the intersection and make it safer and more efficient for people heading to North East Valley.”

This would involve shifting the existing uphill traffic lane about ten metres into an area of Town Belt, requiring about 1000m² of this land.  (See map below). The existing bridge over the Water of Leith would be widened. NZTA will work with the Dunedin City Council on ways to compensate for the loss of public land.