Roadworks underway in Upper Riccarton

Source: Mark Koing on Unsplash.  

Riccarton Road, Waimairi Road, and Hansons Lane have welcomed a raft of new roadworks until mid-October, as the Christchurch City Council (CCC) have implemented changes that will alter the makeup of all roads in question. 

Specific changes throughout the roads include implementing safe speed platforms, cycle lanes, updating street parking, and removing slip lanes. A signalised pedestrian crossing on Waimairi Road will also be installed. 

Safety was at the forefront of the CCC’s decision making process, as over a 10-year period, there have been 35 reported crashes on the intersection of Riccarton Road, Waimairi Road and Hansons Lane, including one fatality. 

CCC Transport Operations Manager Stephen Wright made it clear in a press release the focus was to make all commuters trip safer, regardless of their mode of transport. 

“Whether you’re driving to work or home again, visiting whānau and friends, or letting tamariki walk, scoot, or bike to school, you should be able to do it safely,” Wright said.  

Local resident Polly Dowling expressed to Canta she believed “the road works on the intersection will increase safety significantly,” especially considering the volume of traffic it receives. 

“Installing safe speed platforms and cycle lanes will improve individual’s safety as many school and uni students interact with that intersection daily,” she said.  

Ilam MP Hamish Campbell further touched on the significance that the altercations will have on university students, specifically highlighting how the new addition of the signalised crossing will make it safer for those commuting to university.  

“It is an area that is close to schools, the University, a mall, many shops including a supermarket, which all lie on a very busy road. There are a lot of pedestrians – including students, as well as cars, buses, cycles all in a concentrated area so safety has to be the number one concern,” Campbell said. 

The construction itself will take place between 9pm and 6am, compensating for the heavy traffic volume that comes through the area. Additionally, Waimairi Road will be closed between Riccarton Avenue and Bowen Street throughout August also between 9pm-6am, with detours being put in place for the meantime.