Work is under way on the first section of Nor’West Arc cycleway between Cashmere Road and Annex Road while work on a further section along Hansons Lane, Suva Street and Ballantyne Avenue will start next week.

Associate Minister of Transport Julie Anne Genter confirmed earlier this year that $125 million of Government funding will go towards constructing Christchurch cycleways.

The route, which starts near Princess Margaret Hospital, will run north across the western side of the city, eventually connecting to Papanui via the University of Canterbury.

Extending through Spreydon, Middleton, Riccarton and Bryndwr, it will also eventually connect to the six different cycleways: the Ōpāwaho River Route, Quarryman’s Trail, Little River Link, South Express, Uni–Cycle and Northern Line.

Christchurch City Council Transport Planning and Delivery Manager Lynette Ellis claims the cycling network is already having a major effect on the city, making it safer and easier for people to cycle.

“More people cycling eases the pressure on roads.”

“During the pandemic lockdown, we clearly saw the positive impact of less traffic on our streets and environment.”

Isaac Construction holds the contract to build the first section between Cashmere Road and Annex Road, whille Fulton Hogan will build the section along Hansons Lane, Suva Street and Ballantyne Avenue.

Much of the route through Spreydon is a shared road space known as a greenway, while separated paths will be built along Domain Terrace, Annex Road, Hansons Lane and Suva Street. 

The first section is due to be completed early next year.