Night works around Upper Riccarton will start next week.

From Wednesday 7 August, work will get underway to install safe speed platforms, add cycle lanes, remove slip lanes, and update on-street parking around Riccarton Road, Hansons Lane, Waimairi Road and Main South Road at Curletts Road.

A new signalised pedestrian crossing will be added on Waimairi Road outside the Bush Inn Centre, and speed humps will be introduced on several local streets.

Christchurch City Council Transport Operations Manager Stephen Wright said this is a busy area with people travelling to school, the University of Canterbury, work, the local shops, or across the community.

“We’re making improvements to intersections and crossing points in Upper Riccarton to make it safer and easier for everyone to get around, regardless of how they travel.”

“Whether you’re driving to work or home again, visiting whānau and friends, or letting children walk, scoot, or bike to school, you should be able to do it safely.”

There were 35 reported crashes at the intersection of Riccarton Road, Hansons Lane and Waimairi Road over 10 years, including incidents where a motorcyclist was killed and another seriously injured.

Construction is expected to continue until the middle of October, with work scheduled overnight to minimise disruption. Some on-street parking will be temporarily removed during this period.

Waimairi Road will be closed between Riccarton Avenue and Bowen Street from 9pm-6am throughout August. Detours will be in place during this time.

Public feedback on the plans was received in November and December 2023.

These safety improvements were then approved by the Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board and Council.

Options to improve the Main South, Yaldhurst and Riccarton Road intersection will be considered by Councillors at an upcoming meeting. Any approved layout changes approved at this intersection will not be constructed until a later date.