Our two Community Connections projects in Avalon and Taitā will connect residents and schools with the heart of their communities, providing safer transport options that are good for us and our environment and improving the experience for people using our footpaths, by foot, bike or scooter.
What we’re doing
We’re improving the experience for people who move around Avalon by foot, bike or scooter, connecting residents and tamariki from the wider community with the train station, Beltway Cycleway, and local schools.
In Avalon we're working along the full length of Walters Street and sections of Gordon Street which are both busy school roads, as well as parts of Oxford Terrace and intersections with High Street.
The work includes:
- Widening the existing footpath to create a safe, separated shared walking and cycling path along Walters Street, better connecting Naenae College and Naenae Intermediate with the train station.
- Safety improvements for intersections on both ends of Walters Street and Gordon Street, reducing turning speeds and providing better visibility for drivers.
- Two pedestrian crossings on Walters Street, one pedestrian and cyclist crossing on Oxford Terrace, and one pedestrian crossing on Gordon Street – all creating safe crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists.
What’s happening now?
Following consultation in 2023 we refined the plans and on 26 March 2025 work started on Stage 1 in Avalon.
Our work in Avalon is spread over four stages to reduce the impact on residents and tamariki:
- Stage 1: Oxford terrace and intersection with Walters Street
- Stage 2: East end of Walters Street (starts 28 April)
- Stage 3: West end of Walters Street, High Street and intersection
- Stage 4: Gordon Street and the intersections wit Oxford terrace and High Street
Throughout the project project:
- Work will take place on weekdays between 7am and 6pm.
- Some Saturday work may be required and all work is weather dependent.
- Access through the site will be available at all times for residents and people accessing the schools, kindergarten and facilities on Walters Street.
- On-street parking will be unavailable while work is happening in the area.
Starting Monday 28 April, we will enter Stage 2 and contractors will move into Walters Street. This work includes installation of the shared path and two pedestrian crossings.
- Traffic management for Stage 2 will be a one-way system along Walters Street (with traffic moving from west to east) and detours using surrounded streets.
- Access will still be available at all times, following the one-way system.
- At peak times (before and after school) works will be minimised to allow traffic to flow and reduce congestion through the area.
- We’re working with schools to ensure school buses and vans are able to get through as required with minimal delays. Emergency services have also been notified and will be allowed through the site immediately if required.
Why Avalon?
Avalon is home to several schools and other community facilities, including Naenae College, Naenae Intermediate, Kimi Ora School, Avalon Kindergarten, Avalon Primary School, Te Awa Kairangi Kohanga Reo and the Holy Trinity Avalon Church.
Currently, Walters and Gordon Streets do not have any safe walking cycling infrastructure despite the presence of schools, and upgrading these streets will better connect these places with the nearby train station and beltway cycleway.
What we heard
In 2023, we consulted with the community on the proposed plans. Overall, there was support for improvements that would enhance safety for tamariki moving through the area. Based on this feedback, we have revised the designs where possible to reflect community input.
We have also continued working closely with local schools and kindergartens to address their specific concerns and ensure minimal disruption for students.
Key changes in the revised design for Avalon following public consultation:
- Additional car parks added on Oxford Terrace.
- Speed humps on Gordon Street removed.
- Intersection tightening at the Walters Street and Oxford Terrace intersection removed.
- Works are being phased to reduce impacts on Avalon Kindergarten and tamariki coming to and from Kimi Ora School.
We also heard concerns about existing traffic congestion, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times, and worries that the proposed changes might make this worse. While we cannot solve congestion overnight, the improvements in Avalon aim to make walking and cycling safer for tamariki, supporting whānau to consider different travel options which could result in fewer cars on the road outside schools.
There was also concern around parking in the area. While there is a small reduction in parking proposed along Walters Street, we are increasing the number of parking spaces on Oxford Terrace. We are also exploring options for designated drop-off points, allowing parents to safely drop off or pick up their tamariki outside the most congested areas.
Got questions?
You can get in contact us by emailing communityconnections@huttcity.govt.nz.