The Christchurch City Council wants to install more peak hour bus lanes, widen footpaths, change parking, and remodel Lincoln Road.

It’s already decided to install peak hour bus lanes on both sides of Lincoln Road, between Moorhouse Avenue and Whiteleigh Avenue, with work due to start early in the New Year.

The Council is now “consulting the public” about extending the bus lanes along the stretch of Lincoln Road between Whiteleigh Avenue and Curletts Road.

NZTA is also planning to install bus lanes along Halswell Road, from Curletts Road to Dunbars Road. This project will tie into both.

Council Acting Head of Transport Lynette Ellis said “the southwest of Christchurch is growing fast, with 35,000 people expected to move into the area over the next 30 years. This growth is going to put pressure on our travel network so we need to prepare and plan for a better way for people to travel to and from the city.’’

“By introducing bus priority measures along Lincoln Road we will improve the reliability of bus travel, which should make going by bus a more attractive option for people.’’

“It is proposed” that the city-bound peak hour bus lane between Whiteleigh Avenue and Curletts Road will operate from 7am to 9am on weekdays, while the Halswell-bound bus lane will operate from 3pm to 6pm weekdays.

There’s also a proposal for both bus lanes to run on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.

“As part of the proposed bus lane work, we plan to make other changes to improve safety for all road users. We’re installing a centre median to separate traffic lanes and prevent the potential for right-turning crashes. The median also gives us an opportunity to improve the street with trees and landscaping. Other safety measures we’re undertaking include installing more pedestrian crossing points, widening footpaths, changing parking, as well as relocating and installing bus stops.’’

The council is holding drop-in sessions where people can find out more about what’s proposed.

The drop-in sessions will be held on:

• Tuesday, 23 November, from 4.30pm to 7pm, at the Spreydon Tennis Club, 71 Domain Terrace.

• Thursday, 2 December, from 4.30pm to 7pm, at Southern Health School, 2 Halswell Road.

• Wednesday, 8 December, from 11am to 1pm, at the Spreydon Tennis Club, 71 Domain Terrace.

People can give their feedback and find out more about the proposed changes at Have Your Say.