The South Express is part of the network of major cycleways Christchurch City Council is building to provide people with an easier and safer way to get around the city by bike.
The 15km route will run from Templeton, on the western edge of Christchurch, through the suburbs of Hornby, Sockburn and Middleton, where it will connect to the Nor’west Arc cycleway, which is currently under construction.
It will then go through Riccarton, where it will link into the soon-to-be-constructed Northern Line cycleway and the shared paths in South Hagley Park.
Fulton Hogan is building the first stage of South Express cycleway for the city council and have started work on building the section that on Suva St and Ballantyne Ave in Upper Riccarton.
Shortly they will begin work on the section that runs along Elizabeth St between Wainui St and Deans Ave.
That work will involve some major changes to the way that Elizabeth St functions.
Cul-de-sacs will be created at both the Wainui St end of Elizabeth St and the Clarence St end of Elizabeth St.
Elizabeth St will also be realigned at its intersection with Division St.
City council transport planning and delivery manager Lynette Ellis said the layout changes on Elizabeth St should make the road safer and quieter for residents as they will result in less through traffic.
“While the cycleway is being built, we are taking the opportunity to complete some stormwater upgrades and to do some kerb and channel renewal work,” she said.
“We will also be putting in new street lighting and traffic lights at the intersection of Matipo and Elizabeth Sts.
“During construction, there will be some restrictions on parking in the area and some detours in place. If you are driving through that area please be on the look-out for changes to traffic management and follow the signs.”
