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Christchurch City Council
CITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
AGENDA
TUESDAY 10 FEBRUARY 1998
AT 2.00 PM
IN THE NO 2 COMMITTEE ROOM, CIVIC OFFICES
| Committee: |
Councillor Denis O'Rourke (Chairman), The Mayor, Ms Vicki Buck, Councillors Carole Anderton, David Buist, David Close, Graham Condon, Carole Evans, Ian Howell, Garry Moore and Ron Wright. |
| Principal Adviser | Committee Secretary |
| Jonathan Fletcher | Dennis Morgan |
| Telephone: 371-1548 | Telephone: 371-1437 |
| Fax: 371-1786 | Fax: 371-1786 |
PART A - MATTERS REQUIRING A COUNCIL DECISION
PART B - REPORTS FOR INFORMATION
PART C - DELEGATED DECISIONS
INDEX
| PART C | 1. | APOLOGIES | |
| PART B | 2. | DEPUTATIONS BY APPOINTMENT | |
| PART B | 3. | NZ POLICE - CHRISTCHURCH DISTRICT SAFETY REPORT: 1 JULY 1997-31 DECEMBER 1997 | |
| PART B | 4. | CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY | RR 6890 |
| PART A | 5. | 1998/99 DISTRICT ROADING PROGRAMME (DRP) | RR 6940 |
| PART A | 6. | BURGESS STREET | RR 6902 |
| PART C | 7. | CYCLEWAYS INITIATIVES BUDGET | RR 6937 |
| PART B | 8. | CYCLE PLANNING/PROMOTION BUDGET | RR 6938 |
| PART C | 9. | CYCLE PROMOTION PROGRAMME | RR 6939 |
| PART A | 10. | CHRISTCHURCH CITY SPEED MANAGEMENT STRATEGY | RR 6929 |
| PART A | 11. | RICCARTON AVENUE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT | RR 6910 |
| PART A | 12. | BLENHEIM ROAD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT | RR 6911 |
| PART B | 13. | BARRINGTONS | RR 6981 |
| PART A | 14. | BELLSOUTH TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY - LICHFIELD STREET CAR PARKING BUILDING | RR 6935 |
| PART C | 15. | TRANSFER STATION OPENING TIMES | RR 6791 |
| PART A | 16. | FEES FOR GREENWASTE AT TRANSFER STATIONS | RR 6792 |
| PART B | 17. | CLEANER PRODUCTION STUDY TOUR | RR 6789 |
| PART B | 18. | ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR PARKHOUSE ROAD REFUSE STATION | RR 6952 |
| PART A | 19. | IMPROVING ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE OF THE BURWOOD LANDFILL | RR 6968 |
| PART B | 20. | BURWOOD LANDFILL RESOURCE CONSENT/APPEAL BY WASTE MANAGEMENT LIMITED | RR 6950 |
| PART B | 21. | WATER METERING AND USE | RR 6948 |
| PART A | 22. | RICHMOND HILL ROAD STREET TREE MAINTENANCE AND FELLING | RR 6932 |
1. APOLOGIES
2. DEPUTATIONS BY APPOINTMENT
3. NZ POLICE - CHRISTCHURCH DISTRICT SAFETY REPORT: 1 JULY 1997-31 DECEMBER 1997
The report submitted by Inspector Jim McKee is attached.
Chairman's Recommendation: For discussion.
4. CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY RR 6890
| Officer responsible | Author |
| City Streets Manager | Susan Cambridge |
| Corporate Plan Output: Road Safety page 9.6 text 8 | |
The purpose of this report is to give information from the last meeting of the Traffic Safety Co-ordinating Committee including education and awareness campaigns.
1. PROJECTS JUNE TO DECEMBER 1997
Child Restraints
The campaign to promote the use of child restraints has been completed. A report on the project will be available at the March meeting. Caltex are positive about their involvement in the campaign. Regular surveys carried out by the Land Transport Safety Authority will give us an evaluation of the campaign in terms of behaviour change.
Kidsafe Week 1997
A report is attached on the road safety part of the Kidsafe Week campaign.
CAAP Lifesaver
The Lifesaver Group has gathered information on the target group using focus groups and a questionnaire, and is planning an enforcement and promotion campaign using this information. A further questionnaire will evaluate the campaign in June 1998.
Cycle Safe Christchurch
A launch of Cycle Safe was held in November 1997. This project runs Safe Cycling programmes in Christchurch primary schools. Michele and Terry Gyde, the Co-ordinators of the Cycle Safe Project, have 14 schools booked for the programme over the coming months. They have also been involved in school holiday programmes and other cycling events involving school students in the city.
Safe Routes to School
Up to 12 schools will be targeted for this programme over the next 12 months. The schools have been chosen in consultation with Police Education Officers, Community Boards and Traffic Engineers.
2. CAMPAIGNS FOR 1998
Projects for pedestrian safety, intersection safety, and speeds, especially relating to child pedestrians, are currently being planned and developed by intersectorial groups. These projects will result in campaigns before July 1998.
3. ANNUAL REPORT 1996/97
The Annual Report on Christchurch Road Safety projects in 1996/97 is complete. Copies will be available at the meeting.
4. ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION AND AWARENESS SPENDING UP TO NOVEMBER
The attached spreadsheet shows the expenditure to date for the Road Safety Awareness programme. The report has been approved by the Traffic Safety Co-ordinating Committee.
5. CHRISTCHURCH ROAD SAFETY STRATEGY
A Road Safety Strategy for Christchurch, which integrates education, engineering and enforcement, is currently being developed by representatives from the Traffic Safety Co-ordinating Committee.
Chairman's Recommendation: That the information be received.
5. 1998/99 DISTRICT ROADING PROGRAMME (DRP) RR 6940
| Officer responsible | Author |
| City Streets Manager | Mark Gordon |
| Corporate Plan Output: Roading | |
The purpose of this report is to obtain the Committee's endorsement of the 1998/99 District Roading Programme for Transfund NZ.
BACKGROUND
As part of its normal procedure, Transfund NZ seeks confirmation that the 1998/99 DRP has been adopted by the Council. The Committee has yet to formally consider the 1998/99 budget and Annual Plan, therefore any changes that are made to the DRP as a result of this process will be made as part of ongoing reviews.
Attached is the current New Works list for 1998/99 as submitted to Transfund, this largely comprises projects considered and prioritised by the Committee at its October 1997 meeting. To be incorporated as a late addition is a request for the Woolston Burwood Expressway, Stage 1, to be reinstated in the programme, also the strengthening of the Blenheim Rd overbridge.
It also includes a line item, Rehabilitations, this is for carriageway smoothing work and renewals (the latter are normally undertaken in association with the Kerb and Channel renewals programme).
Also attached is the summary "Basic Programme" which includes all road system maintenance, resealing and renewal work funded by Transfund.
| Recommendation: | That the 1998/99 District Roading Programme be adopted, subject to final confirmation through the 1998/99 Annual Plan process. |
| Chairman's Recommendation: | That the above recommendation be adopted. |
6. BURGESS STREET RR 6902
| Officer responsible | Author |
| City Streets Manager | Lorraine Wilmshurst, Area Engineer |
| Corporate Plan Output: Traffic Signs and Markings | |
The purpose of this report is to propose a change to the Council's Traffic and Parking Bylaw to provide for one way traffic along Burgess Street, Sumner.
A petition from residents in Burgess Street requesting that parking be restricted to the east side of the street only and that the street be "one wayed" was presented to the Hagley/Ferrymead Community Board in August 1997. The Board at its meeting on 4 February 1998, considered the recommendation that Burgess Street become a one way street.
The "P5" parking restriction on the west side of Burgess Street was removed and a "no stopping at any time" restriction imposed in August 1997. This restriction has been monitored along with traffic movements and pedestrian numbers in the street to ascertain whether or not the road should be one way.
Traffic volume counts for Burgess Street show that approximately 375 vehicles use it each day. There are more vehicles entering from Marriner Street than from the Esplanade but the flow is fairly even. For safety and visibility reasons it is recommended that vehicles enter Burgess Street from the south (Marriner Street) and proceed north to exit onto the Esplanade.
Pedestrian numbers in the street over a short period in the early afternoon at the time of the survey, were nearly twice the number of vehicles using the street during the same time.
Consultation has been carried out with the residents of Burgess Street, Sumner Residents Association, the Sumner Businessmen's Association, and the Sumner community. A leaflet explaining that it is proposed to restrict traffic movements in Burgess Street to one direction only was delivered to all residents and owners of properties in Burgess Street or adjoining the street.
17 replies were received and 13, (ie: 76%) were in favour of Burgess Street being "one wayed". Of the four replies against only two have direct access off Burgess Street. The others have Marriner Street addresses.
| Recommendation: | That the Council be asked to commence
proceedings to alter the Traffic and Parking Bylaw 1991
by inserting clause 35 in the Fifth Schedule of the
Bylaw: "35. Burgess Street, in an easterly direction from Marriner Street to the Esplanade." |
| Chairman's Recommendation: | That the above recommendation be adopted. |
7. CYCLEWAYS INITIATIVES BUDGET RR 6937
| Officer responsible | Author |
| City Streets Manager | Alix Newman - Transport Projects Officer |
| Corporate Plan Output: 9.5.57 | |
The purpose of this report is to advise the Committee on current and recommended expenditure of the Cycleways Initiatives Budget for 1997/98.
The 1997/98 Cycleways capital works budget includes an item "Minor Works/ Intersection Improvements/School Routes" which has an allocation of $100,000.
To date $32,000 of this money has been spent on the following:
Intersection improvements at Ferry/Moorhouse and Ferry/St
Asaph.
Alterations to entrances to Hagley Park.
Calibration and marking of cycle triggers at traffic signals
Minor widening of short lengths of footpaths.
Project design work associated with above
It is proposed to allocate the remaining $68,000 to the following projects:
$8,000 to colour a 300m length of Kilmarnock Street, and remark the painted cycle lanes at the proper standard. The City Services Committee approved a coloured cycle lane trial in mid-1997.
$40,000 for minor works along Ferry Road and Main Road to complete this cycle route into the city.
The remaining $20,000 to bring existing cycle paths and routes up to minimum "best practice" standard. For example some cycle paths need minor alignment changes and barriers removed, and some cycle lanes need continuation or minor kerb work to make extra space.
| Recommendation: | That the Committee approve the proposed allocation of the cycleways minor works budget. |
| Chairman's Recommendation: | That the above recommendation be adopted. |
8. CYCLE PLANNING/PROMOTION BUDGET RR 6938
| Officer responsible | Author |
| City Streets Manager | Alix Newman - Transport Projects Officer |
| Corporate Plan Output: 9.5.57 | |
The purpose of this report is to inform the Committee of the actual and proposed spending of the cycle planning and promotion budget.
The cycleways programme was budgeted a sum of $70,000 for cycle planning, design, monitoring and promotions in 1997/98. The actual and committed expenditure of the budget is $41,500, as follows:
It is proposed to allocate the remaining funds ($28,500) on the following:
CYCLE COUNT PROGRAMME
The Cycle Strategy endorses a programme of monitoring trends in cycling in the city. A programme to count cyclists at various locations around the city will begin in the middle of February, and continue until June. The locations and timings of the counts have been structured so that the counts can be repeated at or about the same time each year, and the results compared. The results will let us see the patterns of cycle movement in the city, and the trends in cycle numbers over the years.
DESIGN STANDARDS MEETING
The Council's Transport Projects Officer (Alix Newman), was invited by Roads (South Australia), and recommended by Transit NZ, to be the New Zealand representative on the team reviewing the Australian design standards manual for cycle facilities. The manual is used widely in New Zealand, hence the need for a national representative. City Streets Unit has supported the invitation and it is proposed that the Cycle Planning and Promotion budget be used to fund travel to the next meeting. The next meeting is to be held in Adelaide on 26/27 March.
Chairman's Recommendation: That the information be received.
9. CYCLE PROMOTION PROGRAMME RR 6939
| Officer responsible | Author |
| City Streets Manager | Alix Newman - Transport Projects Officer |
| Corporate Plan Output: 9.5.57 | |
The purpose of this report is to inform the Committee of promotion work in support of cycling in the city.
THE PRESS CYCLING PAGE
The Council has been the main backer behind a dedicated cycling page appearing once per month in the Press. The page is a method of communicating about Council cycling activities, and increase the general awareness of cycling in Christchurch.
The page costs the Council $1000 per month. It is also supported by advertising (approximately $1960) and the Press subsidise the page to the sum of $1184 per month. The level of Press support of this page is unique, both in the subsidy and that it is headlined differently to all other supplement pages.
The public support of the page is growing. A survey in the first page gained 40 responses. Nine months later, over 300 were received. Bike shops reported a surge in light sales when two features on cycle lighting were run, and organisations are asking for opportunities to contribute.
The Press supplements/features staff are taking an increasing amount of responsibility for the page contents. Council officer input is now down to about 4 hours per month, plus any additional activity involved in writing articles.
The Press Cycling page is considered to be a successful promotions activity, and is planned to continue until at least the end of the financial year.
FUTURE PROMOTIONS WORK - A CYCLING QUARTERLY
The Press Cycling page is a good medium for reaching a wide audience, but is limited in that it is not enduring in the minds of the public, and can only provide material suitable for a small section of the public at any one time. The Promotions Strategy identifies a need for a more enduring message aimed at wider audience. One of the most effective mediums for this (outside TV), is a publication in the style and size of a local newspaper. A quarterly cycling publication is proposed.
Objective: The purpose of the cycling quarterly would be similar to the Press page - to communicate Council activities, and push the message of cycling. It will be more enduring than the Press page - it can stay on coffee tables for longer than the Press, and be passed from person to person.
Content: As well as Council activities, the quarterly will present a range of articles and information aimed at all sectors of the cycling, and potentially cycling public. It will also reach a much wider catchment for questionnaires, and allow communication opportunities through "letters to the editor". Articles could come from previous Press page articles, voluntary contributors and the university journalism school.
Appearance: The quarterly would be the size of a local newspaper, done in four colour print, and for the first two editions, have 12 pages.
Management: A non-Council publication editor would be engaged. The editor would co-ordinate all the content and copy, co-ordinate advertising, and manage the printing, distribution and finances. An editorial management committee would comprise of the editor, Council officer (Transport Projects Officer), promotions adviser, and copy writer. The committee would meet approximately fortnightly. The Council will have final say-so on quarterly contents.
Costs: A 12 page, four colour quarterly publication is expected to cost $9,000, for a production run of 10,000 copies. An estimated $4,200 would come from advertising revenue, leaving a balance of $4,800 to be met by the Council. Additional start up costs of $2,000 are anticipated.
Distribution: A full distribution pattern has yet to be finalised. The quarterly will be distributed through all Council service centres and libraries, plus all sponsors with retail outlets. It will also be distributed to university and other tertiary student union facilities. Efforts are being made to have copies available through service stations, gymnasiums and cafes.
It is recommended that the Council support the publication of two editions of a cycling quarterly magazine as an exploration of the cycling quarterly concept.
Estimated costs for the full publication of one edition in April, and support of a second edition programmed for the middle of July, would be $10,500. Final production costs of ($1,500) for the July edition would come from the 1998/99 promotions budget.
| Recommendation: | That the Committee support the trial publication of two editions of a cycling quarterly, at a total cost of $10,500. |
| Chairman's Recommendation: | That the above recommendation be adopted. |
10. CHRISTCHURCH CITY SPEED MANAGEMENT STRATEGY RR 6929
| Officer responsible | Author |
| City Streets Manager | Brian Neill, Traffic Engineer |
| Corporate Plan Output: Traffic Signs and Markings | |
The purpose of this report is to consider the "yellow" draft of the Land Transport Safety (Setting of Speed Limits) Rule 54001 with the view to forwarding submissions on the revised document before 13 February 1998. The report also considers a proposal to review speed limits in the city based on the new Land Transport Safety Rule and experienced gained with the 1997 review which resulted in the introduction of a number of 60 and 80 km/h speed limits on arterial roads and state highways in the city.
1. LAND TRANSPORT SAFETY (SETTING OF SPEED LIMITS) RULE 54001
The Committee will recall consideration of the "red" draft of the proposed rule and the Council's submission to the Rules Team of the Land Transport Safety Authority of 7 April 1997. The "red" draft of the rule was considered by Road Controlling Authorities (including the Christchurch City Council) and various technical groups and experts before being published in its current form for consideration by the public.
Submissions on the "yellow" draft are to be made to the Rules Team by 13 February 1998 the aim being to commit a "green" (government) draft of the Rule into law during November 1998. Once this process has been completed Road Controlling Authorities will be responsible for setting speed limits in their areas and the Land Transport Safety Authority (LTSA) will monitor compliance with the Rule.
City Council Involvement
The Council made submissions to the Rules Team on the "red" draft of the proposed Rule. A number of the submissions referred to the overview section of the document whilst others concerned matters of legal requirements and consultation processes. The following subjects were covered in the submissions made by the Council at that time:
The changes in the processes used to set speed limit on roads in New Zealand was supported by the Council. Questions were asked about the ability of the NZ Police to make available sufficient resources to provide for compliance for urban speed limits in particular. In all 34 written responses were received from Road Controlling Authorities and other organisations with technical expertise.
This included a submission from the New Zealand Local Authority Traffic Institute which sent a questionnaire to all the territorial authorities. The questionnaire, developed by Councillor Close in his role as President of the Institute received 43 responses.
Analysis of Submissions on the "Red" Draft of the Proposed Rule
Attached to this report is a condensed copy of the LTSA responses to the submissions made. The Committee will be pleased to learn that the Rules Team have done a thorough job of assessing the submissions and have modified the Rule to include many of the improvements suggested and incorporated new provisions for 30 km/h limits in urban areas where traffic calming has been introduced as the result of the development of LATMS. Procedures have also been outlined for introducing speed limits lower than 50 km/h on non-through roads and between 20 and 80 km/h for temporary speed limits.
Of particular interest to the Council is allowance for the Director to authorise trials for variable speed limits on roads where congestion has become a problem and in school zones. The new document suggests that at present there is no practical experience of variable speed limits in New Zealand and that the LTSA has received a proposal (from the Christchurch City Council) to trial part time speed limits outside schools.
Copies of the new "yellow" draft of the proposed rule are available and will be tabled at the meeting. Due to the short time frame given to submitters a draft submission on the latest document will be circulated to Councillors at the meeting.
For the Council's submission, the City Streets Unit's proposal is to concentrate on criteria for speed limits under 50 km/h with respect to temporary, recreational and non-through road limits.
| Recommendation: |
|
| Chairman's Recommendation: | That the above recommendation be adopted. |
2. 1998 SPEED LIMIT REVIEW
The Committee will recall the Council's development of a speed management strategy for roads in the city. This strategy was developed in association with the Land Transport Safety Authority, Transit NZ, NZ Police and the NZ Automobile Association. The strategy covers analysis, monitoring, engineering, education, publicity and enforcement issues with the aim to make roads safer by managing the speed of vehicles. The objectives are:
To identify and maintain appropriate speed profiles on roads
in the city.
To co-ordinate education, engineering, enforcement and publicity.
To monitor and evaluate vehicle speeds in the city.
To gain public acceptance for the programme.
To gain and maintain compliance with posted speed limits.
The Committee was very supportive of the 1997 review of speed limits in the city and in particular the introduction of new 60 and 80 km/h limits on arterial roads where these route speed limits have been placed. The Committee asked that a further review of speed limits be undertaken during the early part of 1998 taking into account the monitoring of 60 and 80 km/h limits introduced in April 1997.
Technical Advice Team
The team used to advise the Council and Transit NZ on appropriate speed limits for roads in the city and strategies to deal with speed management has been reconvened to consider proposals for the 1998 review. The evaluation of data measuring the effect on vehicle speeds for roads with a changed limit, those with targeted enforcement and those on control roads without targeted enforcement will be assessed by the team. The evaluation of publicity carried out and educational messages along with surveying attitude changes, enforcement tolerances and driving speeds will also be co-ordinated through this team.
Following the next meeting of the team (on Monday 23 February 1998) it should be possible to identify areas (roads) where speed limit changes could be made and new 60 and 80 km/h limits introduced. Regular reports on the proposed review will be provided for the information of Councillors. With the cooperation of Transit NZ we should be in a position to progress on matters such as variable speed limits outside schools and achieving consistency on arterial roads where 60 km/h and 80 km/h speed limits are appropriate.
30 km/h School Speed Zones
Although the Council hasn't formally applied to the LTSA for a trial of this new (in New Zealand) concept for variable speed limits outside schools the proposed Land Transport Safety (Setting of Speed Limits) Rule does suggest that this will be possible once the document has been passed into Law.
Unfortunately, although preparatory work can be carried out to establish trial school speed zone speed limits in Christchurch City, it would appear that the Director of the LTSA will not have authority to authorise a trial until the Rule has been passed into Law. This brings into question the budget provision of $60,000 for the 1997/98 financial year for the development of electronic signs to set up appropriate trials in the city.
It is suggested that the $60,000 set aside for this purpose be carried forward from the 1997/98 to the 1998/99 financial year. Budget provision could be made this financial year through the six month review with respect to the proposed 1998 speed limit review which will identify schools suitable for trials of variable speed limits.
Funding the Process to Review Speed Limits in the City
The following table sets out a funding proposal for the 1998 Speed Limit Revue:
| 1997/98 | 1998/99 | |||||||
Activity |
Budget $ |
Req’d $ |
Budget $ |
Req’d |
Funding Output |
|||
| City Streets (Salaries) | 12,000 |
12,000 |
12,000 |
12,000 |
Management Overheads |
|||
| Technician (Wages) | - |
10,000 |
2,000 |
2,000 |
Planning |
|||
| Monitoring (Speed Checks) | - |
5,000 |
5,000 |
5,000 |
Planning |
|||
| Consultation | - |
4,000 |
1,000 |
1,000 |
Planning |
|||
| Preparation of Gazette Notices etc | - |
- |
2,000 |
2,000 |
Planning |
|||
| Publicity | - |
- |
10,000 |
10,000 |
Safety Administration |
|||
| New Signs | - |
- |
- |
15,000 |
Signals, Signs & Shelters |
|||
| TOTALS | 12,000 |
31,000 |
32,000 |
47,000 |
||||
| Shortfall | - |
$19,000 |
- |
$15,000 |
||||
Notes to the Table of Funding Sources for the 1998 Revue:
Speed Monitoring Stations
Attached to this report is a table of "before" and "after" speeds measured (for comparison) in October 1996 and in October 1997. 17 stations have been monitored (1 has since been discontinued) to provide a consistency of speed measurement over certain arterial roads in the city. Initial surveys were also conducted at each of these stations and are included on the table for the information of Councillors.
Graphical representations of the speed data have been produced and will be tabled at the meeting.
The LTSA in Christchurch are also monitoring speeds on roads in the city. It is understood that results of the latest surveys will be available in March and will form the basis of a report on the effectiveness of the most recent enforcement campaign by the NZ Police and the speed management strategy for Christchurch City.
The results of the recent monitoring of speed limits on arterial roads is that both the average and 85th percentile speeds have either remained the same or reduced by 2 or 3 km/h. This could indicate that the strategies adopted in Christchurch City have been successful and that the Council and Transit NZ should be able to look forward with confidence at adding to the number of arterial roads and state highways where speed limits have been rationalised to either 60 or 80 km/h.
Conclusion
Although there are many positive aspects of the proposed speed limit review, the timing of initiatives such as the introduction of trials for school speed zones and, possibly LATMS, may mean that some decisions cannot be made during the term of this Council. The rules process relies on consultation and to this end the process appears to have been successful thus far. Consistency across the country is important as it is within a city the size of Christchurch when it comes to dealing with speed limit regimes targeted at motorists. People need to be re-educated and, as a stated aim of the Council, to affect a change of speed culture amongst Christchurch drivers.
| Recommendation: |
|
| Chairman's Recommendation: | Recommendations not seen by the Chairman. |
11. RICCARTON AVENUE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT RR 6910
| Officer responsible | Authors |
| City Streets Manager | Peter Atkinson and Brian Neill |
| Corporate Plan Output: Traffic Signs and Markings; Black Spot Remedial Works | |
The purpose of this report is to advise the Committee of proposed improvements to traffic management along Riccarton Avenue. The Hagley/Ferrymead Community Board has also considered this report and is recommending that the Council approve changes to kerbside parking restrictions along the Avenue to enable a flush (painted) median to be installed and two pedestrian refuge islands.
Changes in traffic management along Riccarton Avenue have arisen from concerns about traffic safety. These concerns are:
The number of crashes occurring along the Avenue.
The difficulty that students from Christs College have in crossing Riccarton Ave when walking between the school grounds and the playing fields in South Hagley Park.
The concern of the Parks Unit about safety and ease of access to and from the tennis and bowls area, Hagley Oval and the entrance to the Horticultural Building.
The result of a crash reduction study and safety audit carried out by traffic engineering practitioners at a road safety engineering workshop at Christchurch in April 1997 highlighted the need to take appropriate action to address these matters.
The proposed changes to the road markings along Riccarton Avenue are illustrated on the plan attached to this report. Provision has been made for the installation of edge lines, the introduction of a flush median incorporating turning bays into the access roads servicing Hagley Park and the construction of two pedestrian refuge islands.
The proposed edge lines will provide for the movement of cyclists along the Avenue but will not be marked as cycle lanes as there is an existing cycle path on the north eastern side of the road in North Hagley Park. It is intended that this facility will be complemented with a similar one on the south western side of the road in South Hagley Park. The edge lines will provide added definition of the road alignment and bring the existing marking up to an arterial road standard.
The proposed road markings will provide for two lanes of traffic into the central area and extend the one lane section out of the city between the entrance to the Oval in South Hagley Park and the entrance to the bowls and tennis facilities in North Hagley Park. These markings do reflect the traffic volumes on Riccarton Avenue where there is a marked imbalance in traffic flow with the greater volume of traffic moving into the central city.
There are a number of small changes to parking restrictions which includes an adjustment to the "no stopping" areas, the relocation of the bus stop next to the entrance to the tennis and bowls facilities and a small increase in the number of on street parking spaces. Fifteen of these spaces are located next to the Christs College sports grounds entrance and one on the northern side to the east of the roundabout. Three spaces are lost near the roundabout.
The proposed flush median will assist pedestrians in crossing the Avenue. At two locations within this median pedestrian refuge islands will be constructed to assist people crossing the roadway. This work will be funded from the black spot remedial works budget.
These changes have the support of the Parks Manager and Parking Operations Manager.
| Recommendation: | That the Committee support the following recommendations from the Hagley/Ferrymead Community Board to the Council: |
|
|
| Chairman's Recommendation: | That the above recommendation be adopted. |
12. BLENHEIM ROAD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT RR 6911
| Officer responsible | Author |
| City Streets Manager | Brian Neill, Michael Thomson |
| Corporate Plan Output: Capital Works Programme 1998/99 and 1999/2000 | |
The purpose of this report is to advise the Committee on a plan to improve traffic management along Blenheim Road, provide increased safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians and improve the streetscape.
PLANS
The plans attached to this report have been circulated to residents and businesses fronting Blenheim Road with a view to receiving information which could lead to any improvements to the proposal. Our intention is to be in a position to receive tenders for the median and other works to enable construction to commence in May or June 1998.
SCOPE OF PROJECT
Construction will be undertaken in two stages. Stage 1 extends from Clarence Street to Wharenui Road. Stage 2 continues the project from Wharenui Road to Curletts Road, at which point Blenheim Road becomes part of the State Highway network.
TRAFFIC SAFETY
To achieve an improvement in traffic safety, median gaps will be modified to significantly reduce the incidence of turning and tail end collisions between vehicles. The existing median gaps at Dalgety Street, Division Street, Number 302 and by Tika Street are to be closed. Median gaps adjacent to Firth Industries, Middleton Road, Penn Place, and the Tip Top factory, will be modified to give protection to queued right turning vehicles, away from the through traffic stream.
Traffic signals are proposed at the Blenheim Road/Wharenui Road intersection. Islands were installed at this junction in 1994 as an interim measure to resolve traffic conflicts. Traffic signals will complete the upgrade of the intersection, and provide a service for motorists travelling between Blenheim Road and Riccarton Road.
NORTHERN SIDE ACCESS ROAD
In conjunction with the signals, traffic will be restricted from exiting the northern side access road onto Wharenui Road or Blenheim Road, to further reduce traffic conflict. The residential access road from Wharenui Road to Matipo Street will feature traffic thresholds and a realigned exit, controlled by a Give Way sign adjacent to the Matipo Street intersection. This realigned exit will complement the new left turn slip lane on the north-west corner of the Blenheim Road/Matipo Street intersection.
CYCLE SAFETY
There are a number of black spot locations along Blenheim Road where cycle accidents have occurred. The lack of available road space, combined with heavy traffic use currently puts cyclists at considerable risk. New cycle lanes will be installed along the entire length of Blenheim Road highlighted with cycleway markings and red surfacing. To provide for these cycle lanes it is proposed to remove all kerbside parking on both sides of Blenheim Road from Clarence Street to Curletts Road. The exception will be the parking on the residential access road and a dedicated parking bay adjacent to corner shops at Matipo Street. Bus bays are proposed at various locations to avoid conflict with the cycle lanes.
STREETSCAPE
The present Blenheim Road streetscape can be described as a harsh, concrete environment. To soften the streetscape, the traffic median will be widened and upgraded. Landscaping including grass, trees and groundcover planting will be a feature of the new median. Localised planting of islands and extended berms will further enhance the street environs.
PROCESS
Once the plans have been finalised the Committee will be asked to consider recommending to the Council the installation of traffic signals at the Blenheim Road/Wharenui Road intersection. Following public consultation, the Riccarton/Wigram and Spreydon/Heathcote Community Boards will be asked to recommend to the Council changes to kerbside parking along the north and south sides of the roadway. Blenheim Road is the boundary between the two community board areas.
CONCLUSION
The traffic management and streetscape improvements planned for Blenheim Road will greatly enhance the arterial road network. Allowance has been made in the 5 year capital works programme to complete the project in the 1999/2000 financial year. The total cost of the works has been estimated at $1,403,000.
Chairman's Recommendation: That the information be received.
13. BARRINGTONS RR 6981
| Officer responsible | Authors |
| City Streets Manager | Mike Calvert and Brian Neill |
| Corporate Plan Output: Traffic Signs and Markings | |
The purpose of this report is to advise the Committee on a plan to improve traffic management in the vicinity of Barrington Mall. The redevelopment of the mall site was reported to the Committee at its meeting on 9 September 1997.
PLAN
The plan attached to this report is being circulated to residents and businesses in the area. The proposal is to undertake a number of traffic management measures in conjunction with the redevelopment of Barrington Mall ("Barringtons") to maintain safety and convenience for all road users in the area.
TRAFFIC SIGNALS
Traffic signals are to be installed at the Barrington Street/Athelstan Street intersection to provide easy access to the arterial routes and also provide a signalised crossing point for pedestrians. The existing zebra pedestrian crossing will be removed when the signals are installed. The operation of these signals will be linked to the signals at the Barrington/Frankleigh/Milton intersection to reduce delays. It is anticipated there will be a net loss of 2 car parks due to the installation of the signals.
PEDESTRIANS
To assist pedestrians crossing roads around the mall three pedestrian refuge islands are to be installed. One will be located on Barrington Street adjacent to the library for pedestrians approaching from the north. A second island will be constructed on Athelstan Street to assist pedestrians crossing the road between the mall and facilities on the south side of the road. The third island will be on Simeon Street to assist pedestrians approaching from the east.
A new traffic island is also to be constructed at the intersection of Athelstan and Simeon Street to define the intersection and help pedestrians crossing at this point.
KERBS AND CHANNELS
The remaining deep kerb and dished channels on both sides of Athelstan Street are to be replaced with flat kerbs and channels. Its alignment will be changed on the north side to provide for extra landscaping between parking bays.
TAXI STAND AND BUS SERVICE
The taxi stand is to be shifted from Barrington Street to Athelstan Street to better service the new mall. The Barrington (No. 14) bus is also to be rerouted through the mall with a relocated stop on the north side of Athelstan Street and a new bus stop on Barrington Street.
PROCESS
The civil engineering works for this project are being coordinated by Davie Lovell-Smith acting for the developers of "Barringtons", Land Plan Pacific Limited. A financial contribution of 25% of the construction costs from the Council will be required. This will form part of the City Streets Unit's submissions to the 6 month budget review. Agreement to the cost sharing arrangements was entered into during the resource consent process for the development and is a condition of the consent.
Following preparation of the final plans it will be necessary for the Council (upon the appropriate recommendations from the City Services Committee) to:
The Spreydon/Heathcote Community Board will be asked to consider alterations to kerbside parking along Athelstan Street and Simeon Street (including time limit areas).
CONCLUSION
The traffic management plan for the roads abutting "Barringtons" will provide a safe environment for all road users, catering for through, as well as local, traffic. The aim is to have all work completed prior to the opening of the new mall at the end of May 1998.
| Recommendation: |
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| Chairman's Recommendation: | Not seen by the Chairman. |