Motorists adjust to new Blenheim Road Deviation

2 April 2007

Some confusion for motorists in first day of new Blenheim Road Deviation

New road layout caused confusion for some motorists resulting in  traffic congestion at the opening of the new Blenheim Road Deviation yesterday.

Christchurch City Council Capital Projects Manager Ross Herrett said some drivers were unaware they could no longer use the overbridge between Deans Avenue and Blenheim Road. This had caused congestion and delays at peak hours.

However once contractors installed additional signs and road markings  for better direction of traffic, the congestion eased. 

“It will take drivers a few days to get used to the new layout but we don’t foresee any long-term problems.  It will greatly improve traffic flow in the area and  result in an easier passage in and out of the city,’’ says Mr Herrett

The most important thing to avoid further congestion is for drivers to be aware that  the old overbridge is now closed to all traffic except for pedestrians and cyclists, he says.

Motorists travelling south on Deans Avenue wanting to get onto Blenheim Road must now travel to the Moorhouse Avenue and turn right at the new traffic signals onto the new deviation road. Traffic travelling east along Blenheim Road to the city should use the new deviation road from  Mandeville Street.

Work will now be carried out on additional intersections at the Deans and Moorhouse avenues intersection and at the intersection at Blenheim Road and Mandeville Street to tie in with the new deviation. This is expected to be completed in three months, says Mr Herrett.

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