New rail crossing gates for Uni-Cycle

Barrier gates are being installed at a rail crossing on the Uni-Cycle Route on Matai Street West, stopping cyclists from crossing the tracks when trains are approaching.

Barrier gates are being installed at the rail crossing on the Uni-Cycle Route on Matai Street West. 

The crossing, which previously had a zig-zag approach from both sides, forcing cyclists to dismount, is being upgraded as part of the final stage of the Uni-Cycle development.

Christchurch City Council Manager Transport Planning and Delivery Lynette Ellis said the gates would be automated and allowed cyclists to stay on their bikes unless a train was approaching.

“The gates will usually be open and will only swing shut and sound alarm bells when a train is approaching. This allows cyclists to stay on their bikes, rather than dismounting, and will ensure they have a good flow along the Uni-Cycle route, but allows for much greater safety when trains are approaching.”

The Uni–Cycle route runs from the University of Canterbury to the Central City. It passes near a number of major high schools and several intermediate schools in addition to the tertiary locations.

“We know this route is used heavily by young riders, including students at the high schools nearby so this upgrade is going to give us an increased level of safety. For the next two weeks while we upgrade the crossing, it will be closed and cyclists will be diverted. We’ll have clear signage up to direct cyclists.”

Contractors Isaac Construction have begun working on the final portion of the Uni-cycle route which will take cyclists through historic Riccarton Bush and past the grand Victorian homestead that was once home to Canterbury’s pioneering Deans family.

It is the last remaining link in the Uni-Cycle cycleway and will take four to six weeks to complete.