Thursday, 22 September 2016

Victoria Street upgrade gets go-ahead

Christchurch City Council has given the green light to a $7.2 million upgrade of Victoria Street and its surrounding traffic routes.

The major project, which will get under way next March, includes the length of Victoria Street between Kilmore Street and Bealey Avenue, but excludes the two major intersections of Victoria/Montreal/Salisbury streets and Victoria/Durham/Kilmore streets, which will both go out for consultation as a separate project early next year.

Council General Manager City Services David Adamson says public feedback played an important part in the Council’s decision making.

“The significant feedback we received from local residents, cyclists, bus users, business owners, stakeholders and the general public resulted in 41 changes to the Council’s initial proposal released in May.

“Through consultation, we have achieved a balanced approach that reflects the views of specific users and local residents, as well as the broader community goals outlined in the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan.”

The project aligns with the transport chapter of the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan – “An Accessible City” – and prioritise bus, cycle and pedestrian movements on Victoria Street, and vehicles on Montreal Street and Bealey Avenue.

The Council will retain 80 per cent of current car parking on Victoria Street and surrounding traffic routes to make way for wider footpaths and cycleways, new cycle parking, trees, street furniture and lighting.

"Importantly, the final decision prioritises access for people travelling by foot, bicycle and public transport, while providing residents, visitors and local businesses with a high quality, well-landscaped public space,” adds Adamson.

The project is expected to be completed by next October.

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