With predictions of a 40 per cent increase in traffic over the next 20 years at the current growth rate, a comprehensive study and extensive public consultation process have helped Council planners develop a strategy to manage traffic in the north. The study was jointly undertaken by the Council, Transit NZ, ECan and the Waimakariri and Hurunui district councils.

Features of the plan include:

• A northern arterial running from the existing northern motorway southwards towards Cranford Street along the current designation
• Upgrading Cranford Street from the Main North Road as far as (ultimately) Berwick Street
• Connecting Hills Road to QEII Drive
• Upgrading a section of Hills Road between Aylesford Street and Whitmore Street

The initial scoping study identified a range of options for dealing with traffic congestion, two of which were controversial. The proposal for a Rutland Street to Grassmere Street link, and the extension of Grants Road across to Cranford Street were the subject of much publice debate. It is recommended that both proposals considered be dropped.

Sustainable Transport and Utilities Committee Chairman, Councillor Denis O’Rourke, says the Council has been working on an over-all strategic vision for Christchruch’s transport needs which would avoid the type of roading problems Auckland has been experiencing.

“Although these measures will ease congestion in the north, fundamentally the strategy aims to curb the growth in private cars and encourage other modes of transport such as public transport and cycles.

“As part of this we’re looking at a pilot park-and-ride project,” Councillor O’Rourke says.

The plans would cost an estimated $50.7 million if they were all carried out — with about half the cost being met by Transit New Zealand. The Council would fund the rest.

Councillor O’Rourke is calling for the work to get under way much sooner than the estimated 20-year timeframe and would like to see Transit agree to funding its share of the works so that it can be completed within the next 10 years.

Because the northern road plan is only about to be confirmed, Transit has not yet made any commitments to the timing of its share of the works. Following adoption of the plan, discussions on timing, staging and detail design can get under way.