Better streets & spaces  |  11 Jun 2020

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One of the city’s most dangerous intersections will be altered to improve its safety.

The intersection of Ilam, Middleton and Riccarton roads is notoriously tricky to navigate because of the off-set alignment of the three busy roads.

Today Christchurch City Council agreed to modify how traffic flows through the intersection and the nearby area.

“The intersection of Ilam, Middleton and Riccarton roads is ranked as the seventh most dangerous intersection in Christchurch and has been the scene of far too many accidents,’’ says Councillor Mike Davidson, who chairs the Council’s Urban Development and Transport Committee.

“The changes we have approved today should make the intersection safer for all road users and lead to fewer crashes occurring there.’’

The changes involve:

  • Only allowing left-turning traffic to move between Riccarton Road and Middleton Road, which will effectively make the junction of Ilam and Riccarton roads a T-intersection.
  • Altering the layout of the intersection to accommodate dedicated bus lanes.
  • Restricting access at the Field Terrace/Riccarton Road intersection to left in, left out traffic.
  • Creating a new right-turn only lane from Riccarton Road into Wharenui Road.

The cost of the changes is estimated at $1.3 million but the project should qualify for a Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency subsidy of at least 51 per cent.

Cr Davidson says while the local Community Board has reservations about altering the flow of traffic between Ilam and Middleton roads, transport engineers believe it is the best way to improve safety.

“Because of the shape and size of this intersection, the options for improving its safety are limited. We understand the concerns of the Community Board but safety has to come first,’’ Cr Davidson says.

The changes to the intersection of Ilam Middlelton and Riccarton roads are included in the Council’s capital works programme for the 2020/21 financial year.