Better streets & spaces  |  21 Dec 2022

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Safety upgrades to two busy intersections on Blenheim Road will begin early in the New Year.

Christchurch City Council contractors will begin stormwater renewals, traffic signal upgrades, safety improvements for cyclists and pedestrians as well as kerb and channel works at the Hansons Lane and Annex Road intersections on Monday 9 January.

They will be finished in early April.

It is part of the Nor’West Arc Major Cycle Route, and will provide a safer connection for people to travel from Hansons Lane across Blenheim Road to link into the future section of cycleway along Annex Road.

Blenheim Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction through the two nearby intersections while work is underway.

“We’re starting construction as early in January as we can while many people are still on holiday. Traffic volumes are traditionally lower at this time of the year and it means we can get a head start on the work before school goes back and the roads get busier”, says Jacob Bradbury, Manager Transport and Delivery.

Changes will be made to median islands on both Blenheim Road and Annex Road to address traffic queuing issues. New traffic lights will be installed at Annex Road.

“We know this area has very long queues of traffic wanting to turn right into Hansons Lane, which can result in this section of Blenheim Road effectively being reduced to a single lane in both east and westbound lanes at peak times,” Mr Bradbury says.

“These changes as well as signalisation of the intersection will improve traffic flow along Blenheim Road, safety for cyclists, as well as providing safe controlled crossing points for pedestrians.”

Between January and April the traffic signals at both Blenheim/Annex and Blenheim/Hansons intersections will be switched off to help keep traffic flowing on Blenheim Road, and there will be no right turns allowed at either intersection.

Detours will be in place for Hansons Lane and Annex Road traffic so the Council urge drivers to allow extra travel time or use an alternate route if they can.

”We know the work will be disruptive as people head back to work and school after the holidays and we appreciate everyone’s patience while we make the intersection safer for everyone,” Mr Bradbury says.