SCIRT traffic update 10 December, 2012

Traffic lights restored, first time since February 2011 - Fitzgerald Avenue/ Kilmore St/ Avonside Drive

From this Friday, 14 December, a major city intersection will begin to operate with traffic light control, the first time since the 22 February, 2011 earthquake.

In conjunction with the full road opening on northern Fitzgerald Avenue, the traffic lights at the Kilmore St/ Avonside Drive intersection will be operating.

“This is an important rebuild milestone for a significant part of the city’s Four Avenues,” said SCIRT general manager Duncan Gibb. “SCIRT delivery team Downer has worked hard to get this piece of road reopened in time for Christmas and conquer a number of challenges along the way.”

Fitzgerald Avenue’s southbound lanes, coming towards town from Bealey Avenue, are now fully sealed and ready to open for traffic. The rebuilt north-bound lanes and the walkway/cycleway were completed just before Labour Weekend.

Drivers going east have been unable to turn right onto Avonside Drive from Fitzgerald Avenue, but this option will now be restored.

How will drivers know that a change is coming?
Downer is installing signs leading into the intersection on north and south-bound sides of Fitzgerald Avenue warning drivers and cyclists that the traffic lights will be working. Drivers approaching the intersection from Avonside Drive or Kilmore Street have had limited turning options and have had to give way, so the change is less significant for them.

The Fitzgerald Avenue project, which includes rebuilding the road, walkway/cycleway and retaining wall and installing new pipes under the western side of the road, began mid last year.

To accommodate this work and keep the road open in both directions, Fitzgerald Avenue was divided in half with just one side open for traffic at any one time. See background stories on the SCIRT web: http://strongerchristchurch.govt.nz/article/fitzgerald-avenue-bridge-hits-a-milestone-shared-cycling-walking-path-reopens-soon

Other SCIRT piping and roadworks projects are continuing to the south and north of the Avonside Drive area of Fitzgerald Avenue. This means that the full road opening, with all lanes open from Bealey to Moorhouse Avenue, is some months off.

ENDS

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