Essential upgrades at key Woolston intersection

The intersection will be closed to all traffic from the evening of Sunday 5 January 2025 and will reopen by 5am on Monday 13 January 2025. 

“We’re strengthening the road, replacing traffic lights that are at the end of their service life, and installing safe speed platforms on all approaches,” says Christchurch City Council Transport Operations Manager Stephen Wright. 

“This intersection ranks in the top 1% for crash risk across the 5,700 intersections Christchurch City Council controls citywide. These upgrades will make it safer for everyone to use,” says Mr Wright. 

"This full closure will help us efficiently complete this work and means we can make the most of the quiet period on the road, before the school year begins," said Mr Wright. 

Detours will be clearly signposted to help people travel around the closure. Pedestrian access and some parking will be available for people to access businesses at the intersection, as they’ll remain open as usual, unless planning to close for the holidays. 

A short period of night work has been underway at the intersection to prepare for the full closure, but all work will pause over the holiday period. 

Mr Wright says the patience of people on the road during the January closure will be appreciated. 

“We understand that closing this busy intersection will be disruptive for people, but the upgrade needs to happen, and the wider community will benefit from a stronger and safer intersection in the longer term.” 

Find out more about the project, and see detour maps for people driving, biking, walking and catching the bus here.