Christchurch residents only have 6 days left to provide feedback on proposed changes part of the city’s ‘most congested’ road corridors.
The Council has previously presented multiple design options for the intersections at Amyes Road, Awatea Road and Springs Road. — ranging from $3 million to over $6 million — but said it needs to hear from the public before progressing.
Council’s three options on the table
Option 1 – Dual intersection traffic signals (approx. $6 million)
This is the most comprehensive and expensive option. It involves installing traffic lights at both the Amyes/Springs and Awatea/Springs T-intersections.
Council modelling suggests this would be the most effective solution for improving traffic flow and pedestrian and cyclist safety.
However, it’s the most complex to construct and well beyond the current project budget of $1.3 million. Additional safety enhancements, if added, would increase the total cost:
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Raised safety platforms: +$309,000
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Static speed signs: +$18,000
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Electronic speed signs: +$246,000
Option 2 – Lights only at Amyes/Springs (cost not stated but ruled out)
This option suggested traffic signals only at Amyes Road, with Awatea remaining under give-way control.
It was dismissed due to its poor performance during the evening peak. Traffic modelling showed it would result in continued congestion and delays.
Option 3 – Lights only at Awatea/Springs (approx. $3 million)
This is the Council’s preferred option. It would signalise only the Awatea/Springs Road intersection while leaving Amyes under give-way rules.
While not as effective as Option 1, it’s seen as a cost-effective compromise for addressing bottlenecks, particularly given the limited stacking capacity between Amyes and Awatea.
It’s estimated to cost around $3 million, with additional enhancements pushing the cost higher:
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Raised safety platforms: +$153,000
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Static speed signs: +$13,000
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Electronic speed signs: +$185,000
A staged rollout of the improvements would also add $300,000 to $400,000.
All options would require the relocation of the current bus stop on Springs Road between Amyes and Awatea Roads — a move supported by Environment Canterbury and bus operators.
A pedestrian island and a new stop on the opposite side of the road would also be required. However, the current budget for changes is $1.3 Million.
Council staff say poor subsurface conditions mean full road reconstruction will also be necessary — another factor pushing up costs.
Jacob Bradbury, the Council’s Transport Planning and Delivery Manager told chrislynchmedia.com a community information session had been held with the Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board on 27 February.
“At this, several high-level concept designs were presented and discussed, and it was agreed with the Community Board that early engagement with the community should be sought before further design work is carried out,” he said.
“This is to understand what issues the community considers to be most important around these intersections, which will help staff and decision-makers to develop solutions that best meet the community’s needs.”
Bradbury added that feedback from the online portal will help inform final recommendations, which will be reported back to the Community Board.
