27 April 2014

Development of new Bus Interchange to be aligned with street works

Progress on Christchurch’s new Bus Interchange will be aligned with the infrastructure rebuild to minimise the disruption to road users and businesses.

Work is due to begin tomorrow on the main demolition of the former Civic Offices on Tuam Street to make way for the new $53 million Bus Interchange, requiring Tuam Street between Colombo and Manchester Streets to be closed to traffic for about four weeks.

To limit the impacts, the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT) will be carrying out its work at the same time on Tuam Street, between Manchester and High Streets, on the rebuild of the horizontal infrastructure.

Christchurch Central Development Unit (CCDU) director Warwick Isaacs says while the demolition work on the Bus Interchange site will cause some temporary disruption, it is also an important sign of progress on a key project for Christchurch.

“Once the site is cleared, we can look forward to construction of the new Interchange facility getting underway later this year, and it being open by the middle of next year,’’ Warwick Isaacs says.

“This is going to be a big step forward not just for bus users, but for all transport in the city.”

SCIRT general manager Duncan Gibb says people often ask SCIRT if its work is co-ordinated with other organisations whose work affects the roading network.

“This is a good example of that co-ordination. We have worked closely with CCDU to line up their need for a road closure with our own work. We know this work can have a big impact upon road users and businesses so it is important to minimise the impact whenever we can. In this case, the fortnight of SCIRT pipe work sits well within the four week closure needed for the building demolition on Tuam Street.”

“This work by SCIRT’s McConnell Dowell team will affect people who would normally park outside the likes of C1 café, Alice in Videoland and the EPIC building.”

Pedestrian and cycling access will be maintained on one side of the street at all times in the SCIRT work area. Wherever possible, offsite parking and best access points for businesses will be marked on fences, Duncan Gibb says.

He encouraged people to go the extra mile for the central city businesses affected by the current roading work.

“If people use the maps at transportforchristchurch.govt.nz to find the best access ways before getting into the car, they can help reduce frustration and save time.”

More on the Bus Interchange can be found at www.ccdu.govt.nz.

ENDS

© Scoop Media