Friday 17 April, 2015

First Central City transport project complete

Changes that make it easier for travellers to get into the Central City are one step closer to reality with the road works at Hagley / Moorhouse Corner finishing today. This is the first transport project delivered as part of the joint Christchurch City Council and Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) programme An Accessible City – the transport chapter of the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan.

"It's one step, but it's a big step", says Councillor Phil Clearwater, the Council’s Infrastructure, Transport and Environment Committee Chair.

“The changes have turned a very complex intersection into a much simpler one which is safer for all kinds of travel. This intersection is now even better for cyclists – they can cross into the Hagley Park shared path on their own light and other traffic has to stop for them.

"Other network changes are currently underway such as turning Tuam Street into the new one-way east route into the city, and some more projects were just approved to go out to the public for consultation by Council yesterday.

"This is the first project delivered in the First Phase of transport projects. The exciting news is that change is in the air – these transport projects, coupled with the anchor project deliveries, are in full swing and our new and vibrant Central City – a sought-after destination to work, live, play and visit – is on its way" says Cr Clearwater.

Christchurch Central Development Unit acting Director Baden Ewart says the completion of this first project shows a clear commitment to delivering what the people of Christchurch wanted.

“Not only does it mean a safer journey for cyclists and pedestrians but also more efficient routes for motorists and public transport,” he says.

“Anyone who knows this part of the city well, will start to notice the benefits. Changing the layout of the intersection has allowed for more efficient green light phasing and better travel times for motorists.

"People will also be able to see how these changes at Hagley / Moorhouse Corner are starting to have a flow on effect and improve traffic at Hospital Corner.

The NZ Transport Agency's Southern Regional Director Jim Harland says it is great to see the first of the An Accessible City projects completed and the city's new transport network beginning to take shape.

"The Transport Agency is excited about this new transport network and proud to be investing in a network that supports opportunities for growing public transport, cycling and walking."

He says An Accessible City is critical for the successful redevelopment of the Central City. "We are working together to design a network that is not only safe but offers plenty of choice in how people access and move about new Central City, as well as ensuring it can be easily adapted for how people may move about in the future.

"This project is an important showcase for An Accessible City as it challenges us all to think about how we will access and enjoy what the new Central City has to offer."

An Accessible City is being delivered by the Council and Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority, and has been developed in partnership with the NZ Transport Agency, Environment Canterbury (ECan) and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.

These projects aim to improve traffic flow and provide safer, more people-friendly and enjoyable ways for people to get around our Central City.

Further information about these transport projects is available online at www.ccc.govt.nz/AACtransportprojects

More Information about the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan and An Accessible City can be found at www.ccdu.govt.nz/the-plan

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