Funding has been committed by New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to begin addressing long-standing safety concerns at a busy Christchurch intersection.

“The intersection of State Highway 75/Halswell Road, Halswell Junction Road and Sparks Road, in the southwest suburbs of Christchurch has been a worry for years for schools and residents living in the area,” says NZTA Director of Regional Relationships, James Caygill.

“Aside from the traffic volumes and speed of some drivers, the various lanes feeding into the intersection – including slip lanes controlled by give ways rather than traffic lights – mean that pedestrians, particularly school children, are highly exposed when crossing here. Last year a local school pupil was struck by a truck at the intersection during a morning school rush but thankfully survived.”

“I’m pleased to say that NZTA has responded to these concerns by securing $100,000 from the National Land Transport Fund for the design of safety upgrades to the intersection.”

“This design will get underway in the coming months, with the aim of simplifying the intersection layout. Proposed changes include removal of the slip lanes and upgrades to the traffic signals to provide improved protection for pedestrians.”

“After the completion of the design, the project can then be considered for further funding in the 2027-30 National Land Transport Programme to make the required physical changes to the intersection.”

“We are looking forward to moving this project forward for the safety and assurance of those local communities.”

© Scoop Media