SH1 SH88 Dunedin safety improvements

Project update

20 November 2025

Thank you for your feedback on our safety improvement proposals

Thanks to everyone who shared their feedback on the proposed changes to SH1 and SH88. Nearly 200 people took part in our consultation. Your input is helping shape a safer, more accessible transport network for the central city and New Dunedin Hospital Dunedin (NDH). 

There was strong support for making it easier and safer for people walking biking and driving, especially around the NDH and central city. The Barnes Dance crossing and new signalised pedestrian crossings were welcomed. Some people suggested overpasses or underpasses to separate people from traffic. While those ideas are outside the budget for this project, they reflect the community’s desire for a thoughtful, people-focused design.

Parking was the biggest feedback concern. The proposed removal of some short and long-term parking spaces on St Andrew and Frederick Streets, sparked calls for multi-storey parking buildings.

A big plus with the NDH site is the amount of nearby longer stay public car parking compared to the existing Dunedin Hopsital. More information on parking near the NDH can be found here

Traffic and intersection changes drew mixed reactions. Some  liked the simpler layouts and improved signal timing, and others were worried about congestion and losing familiar turning options. Bus stop changes split opinion too. 

We understand the impact change can have. However, to make room for the good things people want like safer crossings, smoother traffic flow, and better access, some change is unavoidable. 

Most of these changes won’t be difficult, but will ask us to shift our habits and adjust to a new way of moving through the city. We’ll do our best to return parking where possible, and use clear signage to help people find their way around, as any changes happen.

We're confident these proposed changes can work with the right planning. As part of that, we’re looking closely at how to balance these needs, while delivering the safety and access improvements people told us they want.

Overall,the feeback sent a clear message that people support  a safer, more connected Dunedin for the NDH and central city. We're working hard to refine our plans to deliver this, and aim to finalise these in early 2026.

Find out more about what people told us in our project engagement report and summary available here 

SH1 Dunedin one-way safety improvements feedback

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the safety improvement proposals. Alongside the 177 who completed online surveys, we received 42 written submissions from residents, businesses, local institutions, and emergency services.

Respondents wanted improved safety and welcomed our proposed changes for achieving this. These included removing straight-through traffic movements from Duke Street East across SH1 south and considered a sensible and practical step to reduce crashes.

There was also support for improving visibility and safety at the SH1 Pine Hill Road/Great King Street intersection, with respondents describing it as high-risk and needing urgent attention. Views on the form of improvements varied.

There was support for the proposed realignment of the SH1uphill traffic lane on Pine Hill Road that respondents saw as a practical and affordable safety solution. Alternatives offered by respondents were traffic over or underpasses for separating people and vehicles. However, these would be costly and impractical for this site. Other people who gave feedback wanted more focus on addressing poor driver behaviour, especially those ignoring stop signs.

Other feedback suggestions included clearer signage, better traffic sightlines for drivers, and making intersections safer for both  pedestrians and cyclists. Potential parking removals, congestion at nearby intersections, and emergency vehicle access, were the biggest feedback concerns raised.

Community demand is there to make this highway corridor safer and more accessible for everyone who uses it, whether they are driving, walking, or biking. Your feedback is helping us shape the next steps with this project.

We'll continue talking with affected residents and businesses,and emergency services to refine our design,to meet their needs as best we can. Thanks again for being part of the conversation.

Our project engagement report and summary are available here

The busy SH1 Great King Street-Pine Hill Road intersection in north Dunedin.

More information

For more information on the SH1 Dunedin safety improvements project, contact us at SH88StAndrewSt@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website: www.nzta.govt.nz/SH88-NDH