Current Projects
  
Improving Our Roads Projects
Completed Projects
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Hamilton is growing rapidly and there is an increasing awareness that the city's roading networks are reaching capacity at peak times. Dealing with current traffic congestion levels and planning for future growth will ensure that Hamilton has an integrated transport system that functions effectively and enables people and goods to move in and around the city freely in years to come.
As a city we are well placed at this time to consider, prepare and act upon our future transport needs, implementing changes that will help to protect the lifestyle we all enjoy while avoiding the development of crippling congestion. Access Hamilton is about enabling good access around our city by managing traffic congestion, travel times, safety, parking and convenience, while at the same time ensuring there are good networks for all travellers whether they use cars, public transport, walk or cycle.
The Access Hamilton addresses Hamilton's increasing traffic congestion and population growth, and aims to create a sustainable, integrated transport system for the city supporting Council's wider social, economic and environmental objectives - along with improving the quality of life of those who live and work in Hamilton, and enhancing the experience of visitors. A ten-year work programme has been developed for Access Hamilton, which includes financial contributions from Land Transport New Zealand and Environment Waikato to ensure a coordinated approach to Hamilton's transport system. This programme is based on Hamilton's Growth Strategy and Land Transport Management Act criteria. Access Hamilton includes both infrastructure improvements and incentives to encourage the use of alternative travel modes. It aims to increase public awareness of transport options and the effects of travel behaviour and travel choices. Access Hamilton focuses on four key areas:
- Key roading projects that will address current traffic congestion and future city growth, including arterial intersection improvements and completion of the ring road and cross-city connector
- This includes changes and extensions to existing roads and intersections, as well as expanding the network through new initiatives like the ring road and cross-city connector. The first priority is to ensure that the existing network is working as effectively as it can and traffic is flowing freely – currently there are opportunities to make improvements.
- Promoting public transport use and improving the priority for buses on our roads so that they become more attractive to commuters
- For some trips, car travel is the best option, but for others, catching a bus, cycling or walking are more appropriate and will hold greater appeal. Access Hamilton will increase the range and standard of transport options. The strategy also promotes healthy choices that contribute to a low pollution environment and improves the personal health of the city's residents.
- Encouraging active transport, such as walking and cycling
The cycleway programme will be boosted to ensure that over the next 10 years all areas of the city have safe access to the CBD, schools and major employment, recreation and shopping areas. A walking strategy will be developed focusing on the Safer Routes programme. Key pressure points and junctions for pedestrians will be identified and mitigated. The best walking routes for getting to key facilities will be mapped and promoted. A study on how communities access shops will be conducted as will a review of the effectiveness of walking school buses and what new opportunities exist for extending the programme.
If it's better for individuals with disabilities - it will be better for all. The Accessible Journeys pilot project aims to increase the quality of life for mobility impaired residents and visitors, through a combination of small changes that is being trialled on the free bus service (the CBD Shuttle) that can be accessed and used by everybody. The project has been made possible through the working partnership between Council, EW, LTNZ, the Human Rights Commission, CCS Disability Action and the Royal NZ Foundation for the Blind and will be forwarded for consideration to be included in the national vehicle quality standards for accessible public transport by Land Transport New Zealand. Click here for more information.
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Developing travel demand management plans and improving community education and awareness of travel choices.
Travel demand management is based on land use planning principles, engineered changes to the network, parking charges, walking strategies and staggered school and work start times to reduce the amount of travel undertaken and to promote the use of non-car options. An example is the new parking strategy and the provision of extra bus services which encourage commuters to use a range of transport modes to and from the CBD.
Community awareness and education includes activities that encourage people to rethink their usual behaviour and understand the consequence of their travel choices, as well as helping Council better understand residents' needs. One example is the safer routes programme which works with communities to make their local area safer and more accessible from a transport viewpoint. Another is the introduction of walking school buses – 'commuter crocodiles' – for primary school students, supervised by parents. |
Transportation
