Transport options  |  15 Sep 2023

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Plans to make it easier and safer to scoot, walk, drive, cycle or bus around Christchurch will be considered by the Council.

Christchurch City Council received up to $25 million in funding from the Government’s Climate Emergency Response Fund – Transport Choices programme to reduce vehicle kilometres travelled and the city’s carbon emissions. 

“The aim of the programme is to deliver transport projects to create cycle connections, walkable neighbourhoods, sustainable school travel and public transport improvements,” Head of Transport Lynette Ellis says.

“We have focussed a lot of our projects in the city’s east, especially around Linwood and Bromley, as they were highlighted as lacking in travel choice.”

 At the upcoming 21 and 22 September meeting, Councillors will hear deputations from about 70 groups and individuals before considering reports on the 10 different programmes of work.

The key projects include:

  • A new cycle link to make it safer for students to bike to Te Aratai College along Aldwins Road and Ensors Road.
  • A cycle connection for Westmorland along Cashmere Road between Hoon Hay Road and Oderings Garden Centre.
  • A dedicated cycleway along Simeon Street that connects cyclists to the Little River Link, Quarryman’s Trail and Barrington Shopping Centre, and improving cycling connections for neighbourhoods such as Aidanfield and Ngā Puna Wai.
  • Upgrading the busy intersections of Aldwins/Ensors/Ferry and Aldwins/Buckleys/Linwood. The safety improvements will include the installation of safe speed platforms to slow people down as they enter an intersection so they can stop in time if they need to.
  • Installing pedestrian improvements in 10 locations in Linwood to help tamariki travel to Whitau School.
  • Upgrading six Bromley intersections with reduce road widths in certain sections, raised zebra crossings, traffic islands, pedestrian refuge islands, safe speed platforms, speed cushions, transitional roundabouts, and refreshing painted markings.
  • A cycle-friendly environment along Smith Street so people can cycle safely to Te Pou Toetoe: Linwood Pool and Te Waka Unua School on Ferry Road.
  • Making it easier and safer for people to cycle in Richmond with a new route that will connect cyclists from the north to the south of Richmond.

The plans were out for feedback from residents through June and July and overall the Council received more than 1,000 submissions and comments.

“The team has made a number of tweaks to the plans based on what we heard from locals,” Ms Ellis says.

“In particular, we’ve shifted a signalised crossing on Cashmere Road and reinstated timed car parks on Aldwins Road to keep access to the local businesses.”

“The funding agreement means the projects have to be completed by June 2024, so the team is working incredibly hard to meet that deadline,” Ms Ellis says.

Read the full agenda here and watch the livestream on 21 and 22 September here.