Albany Street Connection

The Albany St Connection project aims to provide a safe walking and cycling connection between Te Aka Ōtākou (the Harbour Shared Path) and Dunedin's tertiary area and CBD.

This project includes improvements in Union Street, such as a new bus super stop outside the Otago Polytech Hub with safe crossing points and more space for pedestrians.

Construction has finished in Union Street as of May 2024, see the artist impression below.

Background

The central city walking and cycling improvements project is one of seven DCC projects of the Connecting Dunedin's 'Shaping Future Dunedin Transport' (or SFDT) programme.

The purpose of SFDT is to change the Dunedin transport network to support the location of the New Dunedin Hospital, whilst at the same time provide a future-focused, accessible transport system that makes Dunedin more liveable.

The central city walking and cycling improvements project is one critical piece of the puzzle as it will provide people with realistic travel choices that support mode shift to public transport, walking and cycling for people travelling to and within the CBD.

The central city walking and cycling improvements project consists of several sub-projects: the Albany Street Connection, St Andrew Street Connection, and slower speeds within the core of the CBD with pedestrian and cycling improvements.

• Information presented for the June 2022 consultation

  Connecting Dunedin partners, the Dunedin City Council and Otago Regional Council, are now seeking public feedback on design concepts for the Albany Street Connection, which will join up existing cycleway infrastructure and improve cycling, walking and public transport access to Dunedin’s tertiary area and the CBD.

  The design concepts feature construction of a separated bidirectional cycleway from the Harbour Shared Path – via Minerva Street, Anzac Avenue and Albany Street – connecting with Dunedin’s tertiary area, the CBD, and the existing separated cycle lanes on the city’s one-way system.

  The concepts were developed following discussions with key stakeholders, including the University of Otago, Otago Polytechnic, Otago Museum, student representatives (OUSA and OPSA), the disability community and user groups.

  Several options for the cycleway connection on Albany Street were looked into and ruled out before landing on this concept. Factors considered included accessibility needs, balancing the needs of different road users, safety, and cost. While there are some elements of the cycleway design we can’t change – for example, complying with certain rules and ensuring the safety of all users – there are other things we can change and we’re keen to get your feedback on these.

  • Parking
  • Bus stops
  • Pedestrian safety

  A speed limit reduction in the tertiary area will be consulted on in the following months.

  Parking

  The construction of a separated cycleway will mean the loss of parking spaces on the northern side of Albany Street and near the Anzac Ave/Minerva Street intersection (approximately 70 spaces). Many of the current parking spaces are paid parking and unrestricted, although some are short term. New bus stops on Union Street and Anzac Avenue will also mean the loss of about 20 parking spaces there. These parks are both time restricted and unrestricted.

  To offset the loss of parking spaces on Albany Street, the DCC is proposing to create additional parking on sections of Leith, Clyde and Riego Streets. To create these new parking spaces, the streets (or part of them) will be made one way to allow room for angled parking. To offset the loss of parking spaces on Union Street and Anzac Avenue, the DCC is also proposing to convert bus stops no longer needed on Clyde, Forth and Union Streets into parking spaces.

  There will also be some parking restriction changes. Some of the new carparks will be paid parking and time restricted. Some of the existing parking near Union St and Clyde St will be made time restricted. This is to offset the loss of paid and restricted parking.

  These changes, if implemented, will result in a net reduction of about 25 parking spaces.

  Bus route and stop changes

  To complement the new and improved walking and cycling infrastructure, the Otago Regional Council is proposing some changes to bus routes and bus stops in the tertiary area.

  The buses will now take a direct route in and out of the University Precinct, using Albany Street and Union Street. Provision is being made for a high-quality bus-interchange centrally located on Union Street in the tertiary area and an existing bus stop on Albany Street will be extended and improved.

  A new stop will be constructed on Anzac Avenue outside the stadium, pairing with the existing stop across the road at Logan Park and the bus stop at Logan Park will be extended and improved. The bus stops on Clyde Street, Forth Street and Union St will be removed.

  Pedestrian safety

  Additional crossing points for pedestrians and traffic calming measures are proposed for Albany Street and some surrounding areas to improve safety and accessibility. We are engaging with the disability community to create an environment that works for all.

  FAQS:

  Why is this cycleway/path being built?

  This project is part of the Shaping Future Dunedin Transport (SFDT) programme. The purpose of SFDT is to change the Dunedin transport network to support the location of the New Dunedin Hospital, whilst at the same time provide a future focused, accessible transport system enabling placemaking and liveability outcomes for the city. The cycleway/path will support mode shift to public transport, walking and cycling for people travelling to and within the tertiary precinct and the wider central business district (CBD).

  What new features will be added for cyclists and pedestrians to keep them safe?

  There will be several features including raised crossings, a special cycle-friendly pedestrian/zebra crossing on Anzac Avenue which is wider than a normal pedestrian crossing, ramps with markings, concrete separators and new mobility carparks.

  Will the speed limit change?

  At this stage we are not proposing a speed limit reduction. This will be consulted on separately in the coming months.

  Why are so many carparks being lost?

  While approximately 70 carparks will be lost on the northern side of Albany Street and near the Anzac Ave/Minerva Street intersection and about 20 carparks will make way for bus stops on Union Street and Anzac Avenue, the net loss will be approximately 25 as we are proposing to add new angle carparks on the one-way sections of Leith, Riego and Clyde Streets.

  Have you consulted the disability sector and what provisions are you making?

  Yes, and the sector will continue to be involved in this project to help us create a walking and cycling connection that also creates a friendly environment for people with disabilities.

  How much is this project going to cost?

  The budget for this work is $2 million.

  What changes are being made to the bus route/s?

  All buses will converge on Union Street East and terminate at Logan Park except for Bus number 14 which will continue to Port Chalmers. Buses will run on Albany Street/Forth Street or Harbour Terrace and Union Street West.

  Is this project a done deal, no matter what feedback you receive?

  No. Your feedback is important so that we can improve our designs, implement what the community and the Council have asked us to do and avoid any unintended consequences.

2023 consultation

• Information presented for May 2023 consultation

  We listened to your feedback

  Based on public feedback, we are making changes to the 2022 concept. These are:

  • Leith Street (from Albany Street to Frederick Street): Retain as a two-way street to support the Leith Street businesses and cyclists who use this route (less angle parking means it’s safer for cyclists)
  • Clyde/Union Streets intersection: Make it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross with a raised zebra crossing and new kerb build outs.
  • Harbour Terrace zebra crossing: Raise existing zebra crossing to make it easier and safer for pedestrians to cross.
  • Trees along Albany Street: Keep most of the trees and still have the separated cycleway.
  • Albany Street between George Street and Great King Street: Continue the cycleway to link up with the retail area. This won't result in parking loss as the road is wide enough.
  • In-lane bus stop on Albany Street: The new super stop will only have one in-lane bus stop on Albany Street, not two.
  • Albany Street between Forth Street and Riego Street: Include an area where coaches can stop for the new University college.
  • Leith Street near Albany Street: New short-term parking to support businesses.

  Tell us your thoughts

  Based on further technical assessments we are proposing new changes to the 2022 concept. These are:

  • Albany/Clyde Streets intersection: Make Clyde Street between Albany Street and Trent Avenue one way south to reduce vehicle/cyclist conflicts at this intersection. More (angle) parking will be added into this part of Clyde Street.
  • Albany/Forth Streets intersection: No entry from Albany Street heading south into Forth Street. This is to reduce vehicle/cyclist and vehicle/pedestrian conflicts at this intersection.
  • Food trucks: Provide one or two new dedicated food truck spaces to support mobile traders in the area. These would be bookable (with a fee) and have power supply in the future. The space outside the Polytechnic Hub on Union Street (in red on map below) could alternatively be for motorcycle parking.

Albany St Connection Single Stage Business Cases

A single stage business case for this project was prepared for the DCC by AECOM in June 2022 - Albany St Cycleway Single Stage Business Case Lite.  An addendum followed in September 2023 - Albany St Cycleway Single Stage Business Case Addendum.

Next steps

• Construction of Union Street improvements: finished May 2024.
• The Albany Street Connections project will now be considered as part of the 9 Year Plan 2025/34.