How it used to be before the upgrade – with a short, dedicated right turn lane. Since then, the outside lane has been shared by right-turning and straight through traffic. Is it about to change, with the risk of more rat-runners using side streets?
Banning the right turn from New North Rd into Mt Albert Rd may be back on Auckland Transport’s agenda as the council agency looks to improve traffic flows through the village.
Under the old layout, a short right-turn lane had its own arrow and did not impede following vehicles.
Under the upgrade plan, cycle lanes put pressure on space and the dedicated right-turn lane was initially wiped, without reference to the community. However, a strong protest led by the Mt Albert Residents’ Association – concerned at the threat of more rat-runners on quiet side streets – forced AT to think again.
Deeper research and heavy feedback eventually resulted in a late change – allowing right-turning traffic to share the outside city-bound lane.
Now, it seems, the agency is thinking of having another go.
In a report to MARA, an AT executive said staff were still fine-tuning and testing alternative phasing and “moderate improvements” are expected. One of the options being considered was to assess “the benefits and necessity” of banning the right turn.
What does that mean – that the turn may be banned after all, bringing more rat-running through side streets?
An Auckland Transport officer would only say: “Everything about the intersection is being monitored and once there is enough data they will review all of the traffic movements, including the right-hand turn.”
AT is also understood to be looking at the left turn from Carrington Rd into New North Rd. That turn slows down following traffic and has resulted in some safety issues, but it is difficult to see how such problems can be resolved..
Bruce Morris
