Mā Ake – Your Way

Background 

In 2024, NPDC secured $3.8 million in Transport Choices funding from the Government to deliver safety upgrades along South Road / Devon Street West (SH45). This project was fully funded—with no contribution from rates.

We’ve now completed the construction phase, delivering a safer, more accessible corridor for all road users.

What’s been delivered

• 1 km shared path from Barrett Road to Belair Avenue
• 2.8 km painted buffered cycle lanes (both sides of the road)
• 3.9 km physically separated cycle lanes (both sides of the road)
• 4 upgraded crossings across State Highway 45:
• Near Woolworths
• Spotswood Primary
• Calvert Road
• Belt Road
• 11 improved intersections for side roads that have fewer than 4,000 vehicles a day

Installation of the cycle separators was completed in July (2025) and will need time for people to get used to the new environment and impact on the number of cyclists.

Post construction reviews 

Following recent upgrades to the South Road and Devon Street West corridor, an independent safe systems audit (SSA) and a design review were carried out.

These have confirmed that the changes have made the area safer for everyone – whether you're walking, cycling, or driving.

What’s better now?

• Safer driving: Lower speeds at intersections make it safer for vehicles.
• Fewer risky manoeuvres: The narrower road space discourages unsafe U-turns.
• Easier walking: More crossing points and shorter crossing distances help pedestrians move around more safely.
• Protected cycling: New cycle lanes with physical barriers and slower traffic at intersections make cycling safer and more comfortable.

Addressing safety concerns

The audit identified 10 safety concerns. Eight have already been addressed or are pending, including:

• Better visibility at Belt Road pedestrian crossing, where we have done additional kerb work.
• Improved access to cycle lanes by removing separator opposite Seaview Road
• Clearer road markings and signage, including realigning the centre line and adding a continuity line east of Cutfield Road
• Introduce right turn pocket markings at Devon/Morley intersection, providing a waiting space for those turning right
• More red marking on top of cycle separators to be consistent along the corridor.

Post Construction Safe System Audit

Design Review insights

An independent design review confirmed the upgrade meets its goals, especially for cyclists. While most features meet or exceed design standards, a few minor issues were noted due to space and budget constraints.

Additional improvements from the review include:

• Installing a planned island near Kopiri Place to prevent vehicles cutting across the cycle lane.
• Adding consistent vertical markers (hit sticks) where rubbish trucks don’t need to cross.

Post Construction Design Review 

What happens next? 

The Mayor and Councillors will be given project update, including the findings of the SSA and design review at the 20 November Council meeting.  A copy of the agenda report will be available on our website five working days before the meeting.

A report outlining options available should elected members choose to change the existing layout on South Road/Devon Street West is being prepared for the Council meeting on 18 December.