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 was completed in spring 2024.
The upgrade is making it easier for pedestrians to get to and from the existing bus hub, which was completed several years ago. It also connects with bike lanes and paths.
It complements the other street changes that have been made in the area to make low and zero-carbon trips in the Kilbirnie area possible for more people.
As part of the upgrade, we simplified the intersection, better aligned traffic lanes and resealed the road to make driving through and turning at this intersection safer and easier.
We also made the intersection a whole lot better for pedestrians. People walking are now able to press the button and safely cross all four sides of this intersection rather than just the two directions they were able to cross at in the past.
In addition to the places where you used to be able to cross, it's now possible 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 is also safer for people on bikes. There are 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 was moved to a safer location between Mahora and Ross streets where it provides easier access to nearby bus stops.
Following a burst pipe in the area in 2022, Wellington Water completed upgrade work in this vicinity. Stormwater connections and sumps were upgraded as part of the intersection improvements.
Next steps
Detailed design for the intersection improvements and an independent safety audit have been completed. Construction began in late 2023. If you have questions, you can email kilbirnieconnections@wcc.govt.nz