CTOC encourages drivers to plan ahead

The Christchurch Transport Operations Centre (CTOC) is encouraging drivers to consider alternative travel routes when travelling into the Central City next week.

From Monday 5 May, traffic volumes are anticipated to increase following the end of the school holiday period, leading to longer travel delays on city roads.

Christchurch Transport Operations Centre Manager Ryan Cooney says the increased delays were due to ongoing road works and changes in drivers’ travel patterns.

“With the recent school/public holiday combination there has been an unusual change in travel patterns resulting in fewer delays over the last two weeks.

“Recent monitoring over the Easter break showed a travel time reduction of 25 per cent during peak periods. This is the equivalent of five minutes less over a typical twenty minute journey.

“What has happened over the Easter break is that drivers have been travelling at different times and taking alternative routes. This can lead to a perception of lower traffic volumes when in reality the daily volume remains the same.”

The CTOC encourages drivers to plan their journeys using recommended alternative routes including the four avenues for journeys through the Central City and Colombo Street for southbound access to the CBD.

“We ask that commuters make themselves aware of network changes using the Transport for Christchurch website and allow extra travel time for their journey,” says Mr Cooney.

“Alternatively consider travelling outside of the peak periods if possible. One in ten travellers changing their travel time or route can make a significant difference to peak period journey times.”

From Monday new road works within the Central City will result in the following network changes:

Oxford Terrace down to one lane from Montreal Street to Durham Street
Barbadoes Street reduced lanes from Bealey Avenue to Kilmore Street (Barbadoes Street bridge repair work starting)
Manchester Street – southbound only between Armagh Street and Oxford Terrace – detour via Armagh Street – Madras Street – Kilmore Street
Ongoing road works include:

Tuam Street closed – from Colombo Street to Manchester Street
Durham Street North – reduced lanes from Salisbury Street to Armagh Street
Durham Street South – reduced lanes from Cashel Street to Tuam Street
Barbadoes Street reduced lanes from Cashel Street to St Asaph Street
Manchester Street north of Bealey Avenue closed to Purchas Street
Manchester Street – no entry from Bealey Avenue east bound
Manchester Street northbound at Bealey Avenue – left turn out only

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