18 Oct 2024

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New plans to make the Main South, Riccarton and Yaldhurst Road intersection safer have been released for public feedback.

In November 2023, Christchurch City Council received views on plans to improve safety at intersections and crossing points around Upper Riccarton, including Church Corner.

Most of the improvements were approved by the Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board and have recently been constructed. 

However, the Board asked staff to do further work for the Main South, Yaldhurt and Riccarton Road intersection and delegated the decision to the full Council.  

On Wednesday, the Councillors and Mayor voted to consult on three options to improve safety at the busy intersection: 

  • Option A retains the left turn out of and into Main South Road and removes the right-hand turn from Main South Road onto Riccarton Road. It includes a signalised pedestrian crossing operated on demand.  

  • Option B signalises the intersection and retains both the left and right hand turns from Main South Road, has a staggered signalised pedestrian crossing operated on demand. This option allows east bound traffic to continue on Riccarton Road, with traffic only stopping when the crossing is demanded.  

  • Option C signalises the intersection to retain the left and right hand turns from Main South Road and includes a signalised pedestrian crossing operated on demand.  

The intersection is in the top 3% of intersections in Christchurch where there is a risk of having a crash.  

There have been 76 crashes the 10 years involving people turning right from Main South Road to Riccarton Road, including three serious injuries and seven minor injuries. The recurring crash type is attributed to the current design.  

The advantages and disadvantages of each option are detailed on the Kōrero Mai | Let’s Talk page. Find out more and pick your preferred option before 3 November 2024.