More than $1.3 billion is being invested in Waitaha – Canterbury during the 2021–24 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) to create a safe, more resilient road and rail network, that will support the movement of people and goods.
Waitaha – Canterbury NLTP 2022 update
Installation of traffic lights, with pedestrian crossing phases on SH73 at the intersection with Weedons Ross Road is making it safer and easier for people to get around the township whether they’re walking, cycling or driving. The project, completed in March 2023, also included a new cul-de-sac on West Melton Road, a link road and roundabout connecting Weedons Ross and West Melton Roads, changes to stockwater races, and shared paths, for walkers and cyclists.
Safety and access improvements on State Highway 1 (West Street) and East Street with Walnut Avenue were completed in late 2022. This small, yet complex project, has involved replacing two roundabouts with traffic lights, and integrating those lights with new rail level crossing signals. This is making the area safer for everyone whether driving, biking or walking - especially school children attending the local schools.
New traffic signals at SH1/Lagmhor Road/Agnes Street intersection will make it easier and safer for people to get to the shops, local businesses, school and community facilities across the highway and rail line and strengthen community connections between east and west Tinwald. The design has been finalised and construction is expected to start during the second half of 2023.
SH1 Tinwald corridor improvements
At Rolleston, we’re making final changes to the recommended plan following community feedback in 2022. This project will improve safety and the connections between residential and business communities either side of SH1. Once the business case is finished we will start work on detailed design and gaining consents.
SH1 Rolleston transport improvements
Installation of bus lanes on SH75, from Dunbars to Curletts roads, will increase the reliability and improve journey times for public transport services between south-west Christchurch and the central city. We’re working on the detailed design for the project and through the consenting process.
SH75 Halswell Road improvements
Improvements to Brougham Street will make it safer and easier for people to do everyday things like taking children to school, moving goods and travelling to work. We are working on the detailed design for this busy road, including design of the T2 lanes and pedestrian and cycle overbridge between Collins Street and Simeon Street.
The Greater Christchurch Public Transport (PT) Futures programme objectives are for a more sustainable and accessible Greater Christchurch. It comprises three components: Foundations, Rest of network, and Mass rapid transit (MRT) AKA Turn up and go.
The Foundations and Rest of Network projects will improve the existing public transport system, making it a more competitive option. Some of the changes planned are: better bus frequency and reliability, readily accessible real-time information, a fully electric bus fleet, and more bus shelters and bus priority lanes. In February 2023, the Minister of Transport announced an additional $78 million to accelerate this project.
In addition to this, the creation of a high-tech, high frequency, high capacity, no emission, public transport option is being investigated. It is being called a ‘turn up and go’ public transport service. Public engagement on the turn up and go idea and route gained significant public support in March 2023. Work will now continue on the business case for this project.
Greater Christchurch Partnership(external link)
Pull-over areas have been built in the Mackenzie Basin on SH8, SH79 and SH80 to improve safety for tourists stopping to look at and capture the beauty of the picturesque landscape. We are working with mana whenua on an art project for two sites, one just south of Burkes Pass and the other at Dog Kennel Corner.
SH8, SH79, SH80 MacKenzie Basin pull-over areas
Maintenance summary infographic for Canterbury 2022/23 [PDF, 857 KB]
Planned maintenance infographic for Canterbury 2023/24 [PDF, 1 MB]
Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency sought feedback on our speed management plan for state highways. Submissions closed on 12 December 2022. A decision report will be available mid-2023.
Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan consultation
