Central Connector

Introduction | Works update | Central Connector route | Grafton Bridge | Central Connector design plans | Streetscape improvements  | Changes to key intersections | Stay informed

Urban Design elements

The Central Connector design provides an effective and efficient bus way while balancing the varied needs of businesses, residents and users. The Central Connector was the first project to have the advantage of an urban design review. The original design was changed to incorporate recommendations from the 2006 review as well as stakeholder feedback. The urban design review enhanced the design by improving the practicality, pedestrian safety and visual appeal of the route.

Bus priority measures

New bus stops will be provided at key locations. Traffic signal's will detect approaching buses, and change the lights to green. Dedicated 24 hour bus lanes in both directions will also ensure buses do not get held up with general traffic.

Pedestrian improvements

The design includes 10 new pedestrian crossings, four new textured crossings and a raised platform at the entrance to the Auckland Domain to slow traffic. All crossings will be marked with tactile navigation mats for the visually impaired and allow easy access for the mobility impaired. New glass canopies and bus shelters will be provided and afford more effective shelter. Areas of high pedestrian traffic will benefit from new high quality paving.

Cyclist facilities

Where possible, bus lanes have been designed to allow buses and cyclists to pass each other safely. Mountable kerbs will be created where bus lanes narrow so cyclists can safely move onto the footpath. Traffic lights will have advance cycle boxes, which allow cyclists a head start on other traffic. Bike stands will be provided along the route where space allows.

Trees

Trees have been prioritised over parking. However, some trees are being felled to provide additional road width for bus lanes. The total number of trees on the route will rise from 162 to 201. No trees will be removed on Beach Road and Symonds Street. There will be 23 trees planted on Symonds Street, fewer than originally planned. Fewer trees give existing and new trees a better chance of maintaining strong and healthy growth. On Anzac Avenue, 18 trees will be removed and 10 new trees planted. On Park Road the council will be planting 42 new trees to replace 23 that need to be removed to improve the kerb line by the medical school.

Parking changes

Parking is being removed in a number of areas to provide wider bus lanes. The total number of on street parking spaces along the route will be reduced from 285 to 72. Some parking will be retained on Anzac Avenue and in the Grafton area to support local businesses. All parking between the trees on Symonds Street, between Waterloo Quadrant and Wellesley Street will be removed to provide a safer environment

Alfred Street

In April 2007, Alfred Street became a pedestrian mall following extensive consultation. The new mall means that pedestrians have priority and only existing bus services, cyclists, emergency services and authorised service vehicles can use the road.

Grafton Bridge

Grafton Bridge will be strengthened to meet modern earthquake resistance standards. When the work is complete, the bridge will be able to withstand a one-in-one-thousand-year earthquake and easily support buses and light rail in the future. Once the upgrade is complete, Grafton Bridge will reopen as a bus lane from 7am to 7pm each weekday.

Utilities

Utility companies are taking the opportunity to install new ducts and aim to upgrade their services, such as broadband, in coordination with the planned works. This means there will be less disruption to traffic in the future.