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Changes to the road layout as a result of the new Dunedin hospital are set to begin with a new crossing near New World Centre City.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) confirmed it would seek a designer for the road system changes to best improve traffic flow.
‘‘This design will take some time, and people should not expect to see much work happening on the streets this year,’’ NZTA acting regional manager for system design Chad Barker said.
‘‘The exception will be construction work beginning soon on a new signalised pedestrian crossing on State Highway1 Cumberland St, near New World Centre City.
‘‘This will help people move safely to and from the new Dunedin hospital outpatient building.
‘‘The new hospital inpatient building is not expected to open until 2031, but we are keen to ensure the roading system is well set up for that development.’’
Other parts proposed in the new roading layout included a new barnes dance crossing (where all pedestrians cross the road at once) at the SH88 St Andrew St/SH1 Cumberland St intersection, removing the westbound right turn from SH88 St Andrew St on to SH1 Cumberland St, and two new signalised pedestrian crossings on SH1 outside Woolworths and New World Centre City.
NZTA received nearly 200 submissions on the proposed changes to the roading network.
Mr Barker said key changes from public feedback were improvements to walking and cycling safety and access at the Pine Hill intersection, and minimising parking losses through design refinements.
‘‘These changes will be firmed up through the design phase.’’
During the consultation, the more dangerous spots identified were two high crash risk intersections — the Pine Hill Rd/Great King St intersection, and the Duke St/SH1 Cumberland St intersection.
Mr Barker said high-use pedestrian areas near the new Dunedin hospital were also identified as presenting risks to pedestrians.
This had been addressed through the engagement process, and would be in the design process.