Emerson Street upgrade safety audits

ViaStrada was engaged by Napier City Council to undertake Safe System Audits for the Emerson Street Upgrade and Redevelopment project, a major streetscape revitalisation initiative in the heart of Napier’s CBD. The audits covered both the earlier Stage 1 and 2 works and the detailed design review of Stages 3 and 4, assessing the proposed redevelopment against NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Safe System Audit Guidelines.

The project involves the transformation of Emerson Street into a low-speed, people-oriented destination that prioritises walking, accessibility, public space activation, retail activity, and outdoor dining, while maintaining appropriate access for service vehicles, cyclists, and other road users. The redevelopment introduces extensive shared-space treatments, upgraded landscaping, improved pedestrian environments, new public gathering spaces, and enhanced city centre connections between Clive Square and Marine Parade.

ViaStrada’s safety audits focused on ensuring the street environment safely accommodated the diverse range of users expected within a busy commercial and tourism precinct. Particular consideration was given to pedestrian accessibility, shared-space operation, cyclist movements, parking and servicing requirements, intersection design, wayfinding, landscaping, and vehicle-pedestrian interactions.

Across the stages reviewed, the audits identified several opportunities to further enhance safety, accessibility, and usability. ViaStrada worked closely with the project team to refine the design and support the delivery of a safer, more accessible, and vibrant public space. The Emerson Street redevelopment demonstrates how Safe System principles can be successfully integrated with urban design objectives to create a people-focused city centre environment.