Panmure roundabout lane remarking

Introduction | Getting around the Panmure roundabout

Introduction

Improving traffic flow | Key safety changes

Clearer lane markings were introduced at the Panmure roundabout on 30 January 2007 to better guide motorists through the busy intersection and improve traffic safety in accordance with Land Transport New Zealand regulations.

Before the changes, the Panmure roundabout had the highest crash record of any intersection in Auckland city. Between 2001 and 2005, there were 207 crashes at this busy roundabout.

Following the improvements, motorists have a clearer indication of the approach lane they must be in to take any of the six exits. Additionally, lane markings within the roundabout are clearer, reducing weaving and potentially dangerous movements by drivers.

Immediately following the changes, motorists using the Lagoon Drive and Queens Road approaches experienced delays during morning peaks, particularly during the busy traffic months of February, March and April 2007.

Reasons for this included:

• The south east of Auckland has a severely congested transport network with limited strategic connections to the southern motorway. This is evidenced by the immediate impact on the road network whenever there is an incident or crash in the area. That is why $1.5 billion is being spent over the next 15 to 20 years on the Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (Ameti) to improve local roads, increase public transport services and deliver more cycling and walking connections to the area.
• Referred to as 'March Madness', March is traditionally a very busy month for Auckland's roads. A key reason is the return of 60,000 university students to start their studies and most people back at work from their extended summer holidays. Additionally, warm weather combined with numerous late-summer events on offer around the city, means that people are more flexible with their travel plans, using their cars to enjoy activities after work and at the weekends. In winter, people tend to be more settled.

Improving traffic flow

The council completed rigorous monitoring and traffic analysis of the roundabout following the layout improvements. During the monitoring period, traffic engineers carried out daily travel time surveys during morning peaks (7am and 9am), completing an average of six surveys each morning from Pakuranga to the roundabout and back again.

Working alongside Manukau City Council, Auckland City Council investigated suitable adjustments to the roundabout to improve traffic flow and provide increased bus priority while maintaining high levels of safety.

With the opening of the Highbrook Interchange in south east Auckland and the end of 'March madness' on Auckland's transport network, traffic has settled and the Panmure roundabout is working well.  Travel times during the morning peak period has improve significantly, resulting in the decision by the council to make no further adjustments to improve traffic flow.

A report went before the Tamaki Community Board on 12 July 2007 recommending maintaining the existing arrangement at the roundabout, and that monitoring be ongoing. The report also recommended additional bus priority measures along Queens Road. The board endorsed both recommendations.

Key safety change

• The two lane approach on Lagoon Drive is permanent at all times. Temporary traffic cones, which created three lanes during morning peaks, have been removed to eliminate weaving as drivers enter two lanes within the roundabout.
• Motorists approaching from Jellicoe Road planning to exit at the Ellerslie Panmure Highway need to use the right hand lane approach only. The left lane is for traffic accessing Queens Rd and Lagoon Drive.
• The three-lane approach from Queens Road has been restricted to two lanes only.
• The left lane on the Ireland Road approach is for motorists planning to exit at the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway only.
• Dunlop Lane no longer has direct access from the roundabout.