Transport options  |  17 Jul 2019

Public feedback on the proposed design for a new cycleway connecting Templeton to the central city has resulted in more than 75 changes being made to the original design.

The changes to the South Express cycleway are outlined in a report prepared by Christchurch City Council staff for the Infrastructure, Transport and Environment Committee to consider next week.

A render showing the Main South Road section of the South Expressway.

This render shows the Main South Road section of the South Expressway.

Some of the changes staff are recommending, based on public feedback, include:

  • Providing more carparking.
  • Creating a connection to Selwyn District Council’s planned shared path.
  • Introducing a slow speed zone along Matipo Street.

“We received a lot of detailed feedback on the route and have made a lot of changes to address the concerns and opportunities raised by the community,’’ says Council Transport Planning and Delivery Manager Lynette Ellis.

“How road layout changes, access to schools and parking restrictions are managed have a big impact on how the cycleway works once it is built, so it is good to see some of the really constructive comments have come in,’’ Ms Ellis says.

Of the 642 public submissions the Council received, 49 percent of submitters supported the cycleway, 23 percent supported it but had specific feedback which needed further consideration, and 23 percent opposed the cycleway.

There were five areas where further input from the community was sought on alternative designs, which addressed issues raised in the initial round of feedback.

The alternative designs were proposed on:

  • Elizabeth Street
  • Lochee Road
  • Craven Street
  • Taggart Place
  • Bus stops around the intersection of Buchanans Road and Hei Hei Road

If approved construction of the city end of the route is anticipated to start next year.

The full cycleway will run from Templeton, on the western edge of Christchurch, through the suburbs of Hornby, Sockburn and Middleton. It then links through Riccarton and Addington, where it will link into the Northern Line Cycleway and the shared paths in South Hagley Park.

A full analysis of the submissions on the South Express cycleway is available on the Have Your Say web page.