Traffic Signals NZ – Design, Installation, and Maintenance

Our traffic signal expertise covers the full lifecycle of traffic signal infrastructure – from initial design through to end-of-life recovery.

Good traffic signal design is about more than getting the phasing right. It’s about moving people safely – whether they’re in a car, on a bike, or crossing on foot. Our design team works to current NZTA specifications, covering:

• Intersection phasing and timing optimised for traffic flow and pedestrian priority
• Cycleway signal integration, including dedicated cycle phases and protected crossings
• Bus priority signalling to support public transport performance
• Pedestrian and accessibility compliance, including audible signals and tactile indicators
• Smartmicro radar detection – our smart infrastructure partner technology for vehicle and cyclist detection without relying on buried loop detectors

Every design is produced with constructability and long-term maintainability in mind – because the best signal is one that keeps working reliably for decades.

TSL installs new traffic signals and upgrades existing infrastructure across New Zealand. Our installation teams are experienced in working within live traffic environments, applying robust traffic management plans to keep pedestrians and road users safe throughout construction.

Our installation scope includes:

• New intersection builds on state highways, arterial roads, and local streets
• Signal upgrades – controller replacements, lantern upgrades, and pole renewals
• Cycleway and shared path signal installations
• Auckland traffic light projects for Auckland Transport and City and District Councils
• Traffic signal controllers (230V and ELV systems)
• Push button pedestrian phases, loop detectors, and associated civil works

We are comfortable working at scale – from a standalone suburban intersection to complex multi-phase interchange environments.

Traffic signals are critical infrastructure. When they fail, intersections become unsafe and congestion follows quickly. That’s why TSL offers nationwide traffic light maintenance, with fault response available around the clock.

Our maintenance services cover:

• 24/7 fault call-out response – we treat signal failures as the safety emergencies they are
• Preventative maintenance programmes – scheduled inspections, cleaning, lamp checks, and controller testing to reduce unplanned failures
• End-of-life recovery – responsible decommissioning and component recycling when infrastructure reaches the end of its service life
• New build and existing hardware – we maintain signals regardless of the original installer or manufacturer

TSL holds maintenance contracts with Auckland Transport and works across the broader NZTA network. Our nationwide reach means we can support City and District Councils from Northland to Southland.

Alongside our traffic signal expertise, TSL delivers streetlight installation and maintenance services across New Zealand. This includes:

• Streetlight design and layout to NZTA and council standards
• LED upgrade programmes for existing streetlight networks
• Lifecycle management from installation through to end-of-life replacement

Our streetlight work sits alongside our traffic signal capability. Many of our projects combine both disciplines, particularly on arterial road upgrades and new residential subdivisions.

TSL sources traffic signal equipment from a global supply network, giving our clients access to premium products at competitive prices. Our independence means we’re not locked to a single manufacturer – we specify the right product for each project.

Our hardware supply covers:

• Traffic Signal Controllers (230V and ELV) – the brains of any intersection, managing phase sequences and adaptive timing
• Traffic Signal Lanterns (230V and ELV) – high-visibility LED units for vehicle and pedestrian use
• Traffic Signal Poles – galvanised and powder-coated steel poles sized to specification
• Push Buttons and Pedestrian Equipment – including accessible audible units
• Loop Detectors and Radar Detection – vehicle detection for adaptive signal control
• Traffic Signal Maintenance Equipment – tools and replacement parts for ongoing servicing

All hardware is supplied to meet current NZTA and Auckland Transport technical standards.

Responsibility depends on the road. Traffic signals on state highways are owned and maintained by NZTA. Signals on local roads are typically the responsibility of the relevant City or District Council, often contracted to specialists like TSL through Auckland Transport or direct council agreements.

Modern traffic signals use a combination of fixed timing programmes and real-time detection. Vehicle detectors – either buried loop detectors or above-ground radar sensors – feed data to the signal controller, which adjusts phase timing based on demand. Some intersections use adaptive systems like SCATS (Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System), which coordinate signals across a wider network to optimise flow.

Faulty Auckland traffic lights should be reported to Auckland Transport via their website or on 09 355 3553. For state highway signals, contact NZTA’s 0800 444 449 line. If it’s a safety emergency, call 111.

Traffic signal design refers to the permanent infrastructure – the physical signals, controllers, phasing, and detection systems at an intersection. Traffic management refers to temporary measures used to control traffic flow during construction or events. TSL provides both. Visit our Traffic Management page for more.

TSL has been keeping New Zealand moving since 1994. If you need traffic signal design, installation, or maintenance support in Auckland or anywhere across New Zealand, our team is ready to help.

+64 9 829 2680

info@tslgroup.co.nz

681E Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland 1026.

Serving Auckland Transport, NZTA, Downer, Fulton Hogan, Schick, TCS, and City & District Councils nationwide.