Since October 2019, the intersection between Hampden Street (West) and Waimea Road has been under a trial closure. The purpose of this was to see if this closure would improve the safety for pedestrians and cyclists in the immediate area.

The trial was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a change in traffic patterns over the past two years and we have tried to address issues, such as those on Locking Street, as they arose.

A report summarising the trial came to Nelson City Council’s infrastructure committee on 24 February 2022. This report outlined the next steps and confirmed that we would engage with residents one more time. The committee also reaffirmed that creating a sustainable transport culture is a priority of Council.

Throughout the closure, several benefits have been identified. This includes a significant improvement in safety for cyclists and pedestrians crossing Hampden Street (west), a reduction in the number of vehicle crashes in the wider area and a redirection of vehicles travelling along some of the surrounding roads. This means we are seeing the right vehicles travelling on the right roads, and not people taking short-cuts through residential streets.

To make sure these benefits can continue, it is proposed that part of the intersection of Waimea Road and Hampden Street (West), is designated to be a footpath and cycleway (shared path) under the Local Government Act 1974, section 319 (1)(f). This change would mean that this intersection can remain closed to vehicle traffic, and that pedestrian and cycle traffic would be allowed.

We want your feedback about changing the designation of this area (to be a footpath and cycleway), so that our elected members can make a decision about what to do. You can also let us know what you would like to see in this space if this change went ahead, so that it can be safely used by pedestrians and cyclists.

Please can you send us your thoughts by 15 March 2022 using the form on this project page.

Alternatively you can:
Email: Engage@ncc.govt.nz Subject: Hampden Street (West) Closure
Phone: 03 546 0200
Or Freepost a response to:

Hampden Street (West) Closure
C/O Nelson City Council
110 Trafalgar St
Freepost 76919
PO Box 645, Nelson 7010

It is important that we get your feedback on this, as changing a section of the road into a footpath/cycle track (shared path) is slightly different from what has previously been discussed. Changing the designation of the road means that it is still a legal road, but leaves options open for the future use of the road reserve area.

It is also worth noting that there are a considerable number of underground utilities in this area, which meant alternative options in this intersection was not possible.

We look forward to hearing from you.