Residents who attended a community “consultation” meeting on a Christchurch City Council-led cycleway say they’re shocked at the hefty price tag.

The meeting was held on Monday Night to discuss the Nor’West Arc cycleway.

Construction between Princess Margaret Hospital and the University of Canterbury has been completed.

The final section connects Canterbury University to Jellie Park and Harewood Road.

The proposed section of cycleway on Harewood Road received feedback as part of the ‘Wheels to Wings Cycleway’ consultation earlier this year.

One option (option a) for the final section includes a one-way cycleway on each side of Ilam Road next to the footpath, while another option includes a two-way cycleway on the western side of Ilam Road next to the footpath

More than 200 on-street car parks could be removed.

Residents contacted Chris Lynch expressing concern after being told by staff the cost for the infrastructure would be $2.5 million dollars per kilometre.

When questioned on the figure, Council Acting Head of Transport Lynette Ellis said in a statement the third section of Nor’West Arc has received $10.5 million in funding as part of the Government’s “shovel ready“ projects.

“However, if the option A scenarios are selected for construction, they are likely to require an additional $1 million of Council funding.”

This includes $8.9m for the cycleway construction, signal upgrades at the Ilam and Creyke Road and Ilam and Memorial Road intersections, a new mid-block crossing at Jellie Park, stormwater upgrades, streetscape improvements, footpath upgrades, utility alternations, road surface upgrades and other construction costs.

$1.6m is for the community engagement, scheme design, detailed design, construction monitoring and regulatory and compliance costs.

“This equates to $2.5m per kilometre from design to project completion” Ellis said.

Christchurch City Councillor James Gough, who represents the Fendalton Ward said he expressed concern at the “exorbitant figure for the privilege of removing literally hundreds of high occupancy car parking spaces.” “

He was supportive of encouraging cycling and alternate modes of transport.

However, “it would be preferable if this wasn’t done at such an outrageous cost to ratepayers and at the direct expense of how 90% of the population get about.”