Bus lane plan for busy Halswell Road

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is asking people for ideas on how to make Halswell Road (State Highway 75), south-west of Christchurch, better for bus users.

The transport agency has a $25 million budget to provide bus lanes along the 2.5km long section of Halswell Road that runs between Curletts/Hoon Hay Road, past Aidanfield to Dunbars Road.

It is an area of Christchurch that has experienced rapid residential growth in recent years with new subdivisions opening, resulting in increasing congestion.

Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships Jim Harland says Halswell Road is a key public transport corridor that experiences significant travel delays during peak periods.

“We are wanting to achieve faster and more reliable travel times for buses along Halswell Road. The project aims to improve safety, comfort and the convenience of getting to and using bus stops.

“We want to make bus stops accessible to all users and make bus travel a popular choice for people travelling to the city from the south-west,” Mr Harland says.

“We want to hear the community’s views on the issues they experience with their journey along Halswell Road. We want to hear from all travellers whether people cycle, walk, take their own car or catch a bus.

“We need people’s help to identify key features and issues that we need to be aware of, to help us find out what is important to the community and ensure we get any improvements right,” he says.

People can fill in an online survey or leave comments on an interactive online map online. An information brochure including a freepost feedback form is available from: Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre, 341 Halswell Road.