The project
What are the benefits of the project?
- More reliable travel times and improved safety at the intersection for all users - drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians
- Improved connections for the local community to local amenities and facilities
- Greater travel choice whether walking, cycling, or driving
- Supporting the growth in Selwyn District and Canterbury including connection to the Christchurch Southern Motorway.
Who is funding this project?
Waka Kotahi delivered this project as part of the New Zealand Upgrade Programme (NZUP), the Government’s $8.7 billion investment in growing communities across the country.
The funding allocation for this project was $15m (including contingencies). The project came in under this allocation.
Through NZUP, communities can look forward to transport improvements that provide more travel choices, help people get where they are going safely and grow our economy, while responding to the impacts of travel on the environment.
New Zealand Upgrade Programme(external link)
How are you engaging with iwi?
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is a New Zealand Crown entity. As a Treaty Partner, Waka Kotahi recognises Māori as partners and is committed to fostering strong and enduring relationships by working with iwi on NZ Upgrade projects in Canterbury.
Why was this project undertaken at this time?
Waka Kotahi has many transport improvements planned throughout the country which are prioritised by their potential for saving lives, improving safety and access, and level of investment. West Melton is one of three growing rural centres in Canterbury (as well as Ashburton and Tinwald) to receive investment in intersection safety improvements as part of the Government’s New Zealand Upgrade Programme (NZUP), a range of transport projects to get our cities and regions moving, save lives and boost productivity.
Project features
Why were signals and not a roundabout installed at the intersection?
- A roundabout has a much larger footprint, which would require land at the intersection
- Roundabouts work with balanced traffic flows i.e. a similar amount of traffic accessing the roundabout from each entry point. At this intersection there is more traffic on SH73 and less on Weedons Ross Road making a roundabout a less efficient option.
- Signals are able to provide improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.
Are cyclists able to use the crossing at the signals?
Cyclists can use the four pedestrian crossings at the signals. The intersection also incorporates on-road cycle facilities, including dedicated green surfaced lanes with cycle symbols at the approaches to and exits from the intersection. The limit line for cyclists is in advance of the vehicle lane allowing waiting cyclists to be in a more prominent and safer position, and allowing priority over vehicles waiting to turn left.
How do you manage the phasing of the traffic signals?
The traffic signals include phases for all traffic movements including dedicated right turn bays.
The right turn from Weedons Ross Road (north) on to SH73 west and the right turn from SH73 on to Weedons Ross Road (north) have a green arrow movement. Traffic on the other legs needs to ‘filter’ through oncoming straight through traffic.
These green arrows have been provided to mitigate a safety concern arising from slight curves in the road alignments, and the resulting potential for on coming straight through traffic to be hidden by queuing right turners.
Phases for pedestrians, which can be used by cyclists, have been provided across all four legs of the intersection.
We used information on traffic movements at the intersection to help with the phasing of the signals. This helps ensure the intersection is efficient, and provides both safety and overall more reliable travel times for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
Why was West Melton Road made into a cul-de-sac and not Weedons Ross Road?
Although both roads have similar traffic volumes, because Weedons Ross Road connects with the Christchurch Southern Motorway, it was considered more appropriate to make West Melton Road a cul-de-sac.
Also, West Melton Domain is off West Melton Road, where there is a lot of sporting activity. Making the road a cul-de-sac also provides a safer roading environment adjacent to the Domain.
Why were the stockwater races piped and realigned?
Piping and realigning the stockwater races has improved safety and allowed the widening of roads and provision of shared paths.
Have there been changes to access to West Melton Domain?
The entry to and exit from the Domain have not changed.
How was the landscaping plan developed?
The landscape design plan supports Waka Kotahi and Selwyn District Council requirements which focus on enhancing the natural environment and improving amenity.
The plants selected are consistent with the character of the existing environment, are locally eco-sourced and are suitable for a roadside environment.
West Melton Area
How does this project support growth in this area?
The project fits with Selwyn District Council’s Long Term Plan to support growth in the area by upgrading existing roads, improving road safety, providing more transport choice and connections to community facilities for residents who drive, walk or cycle.
Construction
Is there any further work to be done?
All the major construction work has been completed. However, we have some streetscaping and landscaping to do during the 2023 winter (this will give plants a better chance to establish rather than planting during the summer).
As part of the project, we’ll also be back in the 2023/2024 summer to do a final scheduled coat of chip seal and refresh line markings.
How was construction managed?
We worked with the contractor to develop construction methods to ensure the work could be done safely and efficiently while also minimising disruption to residents, local businesses, and road users.
Temporary traffic management plans were put in place during construction to keep people using the road and construction crews safe.
Every effort was made to ensure access was maintained where safely possible.
We talked with Selwyn District Council, local businesses and community facility providers, and worked with them to minimise disruption.
