A new interim cycleway is coming to Federal Street

A new interim cycleway and temporary improvements for pedestrians will be installed on Federal Street between Victoria Street and Fanshawe Street in March by Auckland Transport in partnership with the Auckland Design Office.

These changes will make connections through the city centre safer and easier ahead of a full upgrade to this stretch of Federal Street, providing an alternative north/south route to Hobson Street, Albert Street and Queen Street for people walking and cycling.

They will help make the city more attractive and useable for people, helping to create a more vibrant city centre. Changes that make it easier for people to get around the city by walking can also have a positive economic impact by reducing delays.

The temporary nature of the changes allows Auckland Transport to trial solutions for the permanent upgrade and get a better understanding from people who use the street about their preferences. 

Project phases and timing

Construction of interim improvements: 25 February - 25 March

_{25 – 28 Feb: Fanshawe to Victoria, 3-8 Mar: Fanshawe to Swanson, 14-17 Mar – Wyndham to Victoria (subject to wet weather delays)} 

The main changes include the addition of a protected south-bound cycle lane that will allow people to travel 'contra-flow', in the opposite direction to the one-way vehicle traffic on the street. The lane will be marked with a mix of raised rubber speed humps, temporary modular 'placekit' street furniture and painted road marking. In the lower section of Federal Street, footpath surfacing, road marking and signage will be improved to create a better environment for people walking. The existing north-bound traffic lane will be enhanced with 'sharrows' - road markings designed to guide cyclists and alert motorists to their presence - and placekit furniture. 

NB. Improvements for the section of Federal Street north of the Victoria Street intersection will be completed in April once a private development in this area is finished. Wayfinding signage will be installed in the interim guiding users to and from the SkyCity section of Federal Street.

Evaluation period: March - May

Over this period, AT will measure cycle numbers and the performance of the facilities and seek feedback from users, including through their Have Your Say website. As the improvements are simple and quick to install, changes to the facilities can be implemented relatively quickly based on feedback.

Proposed full streetscape upgrade

AT and Auckland Council are proposing a full upgrade for this section of Federal Street as part of the city centre laneway circuit, which will provide pedestrian-friendly routes with attractive spaces for people to spend time. This follows on from the upgrade of the SKYCITY section of the street (complete) and the section between Wellesley Street and Mayoral Drive (scheduled for construction over summer 2018 - 19) as well as other streetscape upgrades including Elliott Street, Fort Lane, O'Connell Street and more.

See a map of Federal Street showing each of the project stages here.

For more information

AT are communicating directly with residents and businesses in the area and you can also find full information and plans on their website.

If you need further information or have any specific questions about the changes or construction, please contact the Auckland Transport call centre on (09) 355 3553.