The NZ Transport Agency is consulting on four major highway projects planned for the greater Christchurch area over the next five years.
The four projects are the Western Belfast Bypass, Northern Arterial, Stage 2 of the Christchurch Southern Motorway and the four-laning of State Highway 1 from Robinsons Road to Rolleston.
The proposed Western Belfast Bypass would run from Johns Road near The Groynes, and connect to the existing Northern Motorway. NZTA Canterbury–West Coast Regional Director Mark Yaxley says the Agency is keen to hear from the community on options being considered for this project
“Consultation with the community on the Western Belfast Bypass earlier this year helped determine the preferred alignment for the Bypass. We are now keen to work with the community again on the location of the northbound off-ramp for the Bypass, as well as the proposed realignment of the Otukaikino Stream.”
A newsletter detailing the options is being distributed in the local community and is also available on the NZTA website www.nzta.govt.nz/westernbelfastbypass(external link) and at libraries and local council service centres. Submissions close on Friday 26 November.
The proposed Northern Arterial project includes a new four-lane state highway to link the existing Northern Motorway, from south of the Waimakariri River bridges, with QEII Drive near Winters Road, and the upgrading of the section of QEII Drive between Main North and Innes Roads to four-lanes. The NZTA recently sought feedback from the community on alignment and intersection options being considered along the length of the proposed Northern Arterial project. Further consultation is planned as the details of the project are investigated and developed. Additional information on the Northern Arterial project is available on the NZTA website: www.nzta.govt.nz/northernarterial(external link).
A community information day is being held at the Belfast Rugby Clubrooms on Tuesday 16 November between 3:30pm and 7:30 pm, so people can come along and discuss both the Western Belfast Bypass and Northern Arterial projects with NZTA staff.
The NZTA is also seeking community feedback on the proposed construction of the second stage of the Christchurch Southern Motorway. This involves building a four-lane highway from Halswell Junction Road (connection to Stage 1 of the Christchurch Southern Motorway) to connect with State Highway 1 near Robinsons Road south of Christchurch. Feedback is also sought on the proposed four laning of State Highway 1 from Robinsons Road to Rolleston.
Mark Yaxley says this is an opportunity for people to provide feedback on the road alignment for the second stage of Christchurch Southern Motorway and how the highway should connect with local roads.
Community information days are being held in the Prebbleton Hall on Friday 5 November between 4pm and 7pm and on Saturday 6 November, from 10am until 2pm. Additional information on these two projects will be available at the open days and NZTA staff involved in the project will be on hand to answer questions. A newsletter containing detailed information on these projects is being distributed in the local community. This newsletter and submission forms are available on the NZTA website www.nzta.govt.nz/csm2-msrfl(external link) and at libraries and council service centres in the area. Submissions close on Friday 19 November.
Editor's notes
The Government has identified seven essential state highway projects linked to New Zealand’s economic prosperity. Called the roads of national significance, or RoNS for short, the NZTA is charged with delivering this programme of state highway improvements within the next 10 years. The RoNS programme represents one of New Zealand’s biggest ever infrastructure investments and is a key part of the Government’s National Infrastructure Plan and Government’s Policy Statement for transport.
The seven RoNS projects are based around New Zealand's five largest population centres. The focus is on moving people and freight between and within these centres more safely and efficiently. Other RoNS may be added in future but currently from north to south the seven projects are: Puhoi to Wellsford - SH1, Completing the Western Ring Route, Auckland - SH16, SH18 and SH20, Victoria Park Tunnel, Auckland - SH1, Waikato Expressway - SH1, Tauranga Eastern Link - SH2, Wellington Northern Corridor - SH1, Christchurch Motorways. More information is available at www.nzta.govt.nz/rons(external link)
