Central Connector

Streetscape improvements

Quicker bus travel is not the only benefit the Central Connector will provide. There will also be a number of improvements made along the route to allow for increased pedestrian and cyclist safety, improved landscaping and more user-friendly facilities. There will also be some marked improvements to the design of street furniture along the route.

Pedestrian crossings

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.

Lighting

Lighting in a urban environment is important and especially so on the Central Connector route that passes two of Auckland's largest universities and the hospital. Pedestrian safety has been improved by innovative lighting design. The design uses fewer poles keeping pavement clutter to a minimum and lights up the area in and under canopies created by trees.

Pedestrians will enjoy safer spaces after dark and facilities like the hospital, universities and libraries along the route will benefit from better lighting too.

New look bus shelters

The first section of the newly designed bus shelters has been installed on the corner of Park Road near Auckland City Hospital.

This initial 17m section is part of a 45m long canopy that will provide a large waiting area and increased shelter. The canopy will also have bus timetable and route information.

Buses will not stop at the new bus stop yet. It is being installed early to test the design before the rest of the shelters are built.

Two further canopies will be installed along Park Road this year, one adjacent to the medical school and the other outside the Grafton shops, east of Seaview Road. The shelters will improve both the appearance and function of the existing furniture.

New seats and bins will also be installed to add to the modern new streetscape design.

Image of bus shelter.

Alfred Street pedestrian mall

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.

Bins and seats

The street furniture along the Central Connector route is designed to be elegant and contemporary. Hub Street Equipment and Architectus have designed new seats and bins as features of the plan to improve the urban environment between the CBD and Newmarket. In total, 20 new seats and 41 new rubbish bins will be placed along the route.

Landscaping

Auckland City Council is committed to preserving and replacing trees along the Central Connector route.

To widen the road and create dedicated bus lanes, 41 trees will need to be removed on Anzac Avenue and Park Road. Where possible trees will be relocated or replanted.

In total, 80 new trees will be added to the 162 already existing on the Central Connector route.

Image of tree.