LED lights to add extra lane during peak congestion times

The signs can change configuration quickly to create an extra lane during peak hour traffic. Photo / iStock

An innovative way to manage traffic flow with LED lights is about to be trialled on the Hibiscus Coast and, if all goes well, it could be implemented in other parts of the city.

The new Dynamic Lane Control system is designed for roads with large flush medians that can be used as an extra lane during peak congestion times.

Like traffic on the Auckland Harbour Bridge, overhead signs will either be marked with a red cross or a green tick to tell drivers which lanes they can use. The signs can also change configuration quickly to create an extra lane during peak hour traffic.

An artist's impressions showing how the LED lights will work during morning peak, afternoon peak and off peak. Images / Supplied

Auckland Transport said the dynamic lanes were relatively quick to build and were cost effective compared with road widening. They also used existing road space to accommodate peak period movements and reduced the need to widen roads or build new roads.

A trial of the system is set to go live later this year on Whangaparaoa Rd, between Hibiscus Coast Highway and Red Beach Rd because the road has two lanes with a wide central flush median equivalent to a third lane.

The road also has pronounced tidal traffic movements during weekday peak periods and the installation of dynamic lane controls would require relatively low use of surrounding land, which Auckland Transport said would minimise disruption to residents.

The general manager of transport services, Andrew Allen, said safety and convenience of the local community would be a key priority for this trial and affected members of the community would be consulted with.

The results of the trial will then determine the suitability and best approach to potentially introducing the controls along Whangaparaoa Rd as a permanent feature as well as its suitability in other parts of Auckland.