Shaping Future Dunedin Transport is a collaborative partnership between Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Dunedin City Council and Otago Regional Council to improve how people move into, out of and around central Dunedin.
Dunedin’s SH1 one-way system in the central city transport network has functioned largely unchanged for about 50 years and presents several barriers to people accessing and moving around the CBD. It bisects the central city and there can be conflict between drivers, the road environment along with pedestrians and cyclists. New developments, particularly the construction of the new Dunedin Hospital, offers opportunity to consider whether the network is appropriate for the medium and long term.
The aim of the Shaping Future Dunedin Programme Business case, developed by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency with the Dunedin City Council (DCC) and Otago Regional Council (ORC) was to find the best options for the city. In late 2021, Waka Kotahi endorsed this Business Case (Dunedin City Council website).
Shaping Future Dunedin Transport Business Case - August 2021(external link)
It included an enhanced one-way system as part of wider transport improvements driven by the new Dunedin Hospital build. Dunedin City Councillors at the time voted for continuing discussions with Waka Kotahi on the future form of the SH1 one-way system, with a two-way option as a starting point.
This review used the latest traffic modelling. Completed in March 2023, it looked at the advantages and disadvantages of an enhanced Dunedin SH1 one-way system, building upon the existing one-way system, or a two-way alternative.
The review was undertaken by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, working with its Connecting Dunedin Transport partners the DCC and ORC. The review is a key step in ensuring a safe and accessible transport system for Dunedin’s CBD and the new hospital for years to come. This system also needs to offer people travel choices and more attractive public spaces with significantly improved amenity.
Key issues considered
The enhanced one-way option sees a marginal reduction in operational performance of SH1 compared to what we currently have. This is due to reduced traffic volumes, a lower speed environment and greater use of the harbour arterial.
A two-way option has much less overall network vehicle capacity with increased delays at intersections, and more traffic switching to the harbour arterial and other central city roads. This would increase central city travel times, with longer delays at some key intersections and greater congestion at peak times.
Both options would require removing some on-street parking to make it safer and more pleasant for the large number of pedestrians who would be using these streets around the new hospital.
The review found changes to the configuration of St Andrew Street would provide opportunities to increase pedestrian amenity and safety, while reducing traffic volumes on this road between the two new hospital blocks, without significantly affecting the operation of the wider roading network.
Work and initial consultation started in late 2022 on future changes for St Andrew Street.
Background on SH88 St Andrew Street Dunedin
The next steps include a formal resolution by the Dunedin City Council and then consideration by the Waka Kotahi Board.
The collaborative transport partnership between Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Dunedin City Council and the Otago Regional Council is known as Connecting Dunedin.
