Christchurch intersection overhauls: public input encouraged

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch
Oct 11, 2023 |

Photo: Christchurch City Council

Christchurch residents are being asked for their opinions on a significant upgrade at the Greers and Langdons Road intersection.

The proposed changes come as a response to the escalating traffic from the expanding Northlink Retail Park.

The revamp outlines the addition of new traffic lights, signalised pedestrian crossings, turning lanes, and cycle lanes to every route leading to the intersection.

“The development and expansion of the Northlink Retail Park has amplified the traffic on both Greers and Langdon Roads. It’s now challenging for pedestrians to cross safely, and there’s a notable increase in delays for vehicles making turns at the intersection,” said Jacob Bradbury, Manager of Planning and Delivery Transport.

He highlighted that 29,000 vehicles traverse the Greers and Langdons Road intersection daily.

One major concern arising from the heightened traffic is the issue of “rat-running” or the practice of drivers using residential streets to avoid main road congestion.

Bradbury added, “Rat-running through nearby communities has introduced more traffic-related problems.”

For the upgrade to proceed, certain sacrifices must be made.

The council has plans to eliminate on-street parking approaching the intersection and to cut down some large trees, replacing them with shorter shrubs.

This means a reduction of 26 on-street car parks on Greers Road and 28 on Langdons Road.

Residents are also presented with two choices concerning the Greers Road and Reynolds Avenue intersection: either make it a left in/left out from Greers Road, costing two parking spots on Reynolds Avenue or convert Reynolds Avenue into a cul-de-sac, which will remove six parking spaces.

The Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central and Waimāero Fendalton Harewood Waimairi Community Boards will gather all responses and put forth a recommendation to the council.

Decisions regarding the new traffic lights and cycle lane on Langdons Road will be taken either later this year or at the start of the next.

Residents keen on discussing the planned upgrade can attend an online webinar scheduled for 26 October, with sessions at 12 pm and 6:30 pm.

For a comprehensive overview of the proposal, citizens can visit letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/greers-and-langdons-intersection-upgrade.

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand. If you have a news tip or are interested in video content, email [email protected]

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