Location

Both sides of Morrinsville Road, between Cambridge Road and Matangi Road.

Aim

Make it safer and easier to walk, scooter, and cycle, especially for:

• School children.
• Uni students.
• Casual and commuter cyclists.

Detailed information

• Physically separated on-road cycle lanes on both sides of the road.
• Safe, raised crossings at Mullane Street, Morris Road, and Berkley Avenue side road entrances.
• Improvements to the existing signalised crossing on Morrinsville Road.
• Energy-efficient LED streetlights.

Cycleways

• Physically separated, on-road single-direction cycle lanes on both sides of Morrinsville Road.
• Three sections of the cycleway have two design options. Each section has the same design options:
  • Option 1: On-road, physically separated, single-direction cycle lane.
  • Option 2: Widen footpath to create a shared walking and cycling path.

• The feedback form compares both options.
  • One benefit of shared paths is that they allow two-way travel on both sides of the road, giving people on bikes and scooters a more direct route to key destinations. In contrast, the single direction on-road cycleways only support one-way travel on each side, which can limit connectivity.
  • For example, if someone wants to travel from Morris Road to Mullane Street using the proposed on-road cycle lane, they would need to:
    a) Ride northeast to the new crossing near Matangi Road, then backtrack to Mullane Street.
    b) Cross Morrinsville Road between signalised crossings, which may be unsafe.
    c) Dismount and walk their bike along the footpath to the existing signalised crossing.

• We're keen to hear your thoughts on both options, but until we have clarity on project costs we won’t know if the shared path options can be delivered.
• The cycleway design ensures easy rubbish collection and will not impede traffic flow.
• Up to 20 on-street car parks will be removed across the project.
  • Limited or no parking removal in locations of high demand.
  • Most removals are between Berkley Avenue and Te Ara Hou Village.

Note: A bi-directional separated cycleway was discounted because it would require the removal of all parking on one side of the road, central island modifications, and additional funding.

Safe raised crossings at Mullane Street, Morris Road, and Berkley Avenue

• Slows vehicles approaching the intersection creating a safer crossing point for school children.
• Engineered for a smooth driving experience.
• Provides a smoother crossing for people using wheelchairs, prams, and bicycles.

Improvements to the existing signalised crossing on Morrinsville Road

• Enlarge the central island waiting area - crossing is currently overcrowded with school children at peak times.
• Upgrade does not include a raised crossing.

LED streelights upgrades

• New LEDs will match Hamilton City standards for colour, warmth, and intensity.

• The safety improvements support the revocation process to transfer State Highway 26 (SH26) to a local road following the opening of the Hamilton section of the Waikato Expressway.
• The information on this page relates to Section 2 of the Morrinsville Road fit for purpose upgrades. We're getting Section 1 ready for construction, learn more at hamilton.govt.nz/morrinsvilleroad
• The previous elected council approved the preliminary upgrade designs.

Why it matters

Benefits

• Safer and easier travel for children.
• Encourages walking, scootering, and cycling to nearby schools and Jansen Park.
• Connects to new shared path on Morrinsville Road.
• Links to cycleway that connects to Ruakura retail area.
• LED lighting saves electricity and maintenance costs.

We recently visited children from Berkley Normal School. They want things to be safer - here's some of their thoughts:

Fully funded

The improvements are 100% funded by NZTA Waka Kotahi, not rate payers. The previous elected council approved the preliminary upgrade designs.

Footnote: All images and diagrams shown as part of this consultation are indicative only.