However, this alone will not solve the traffic problems, according to Papanui-Innes Community Board members and submitters.
The board approved the installation of two 10.5m islands, one opposite Northlink shopping centre and one further along past the intersection with Sails St.
Christchurch City Council Papanui Ward councillor Mike Davidson said it would not solve all issues but was a step in the right direction as increasing development made conditions worse.
Conditions were difficult for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike.
“We’ve seen the traffic that’s being generated down there, and it doesn’t feel safe,” Davidson said.
City council acting transport operations manager Stephen Wright said the last traffic count in Langdons Rd near Sails St in took place in February 2021.
It showed a daily average traffic level of 11, 713 vehicles per day.
“Prior to the development opening a traffic count undertaken in March 2020 at the same location recorded [an average] of 8,682 vehicles per day,” he said.
A report contained in the meeting agenda stated the wider area was being investigated by the city council’s network planning team.
This included the possibility of signalised intersections and a signalised entrance and pedestrian crossing to the shopping centre.
However, such changes are unlikely to occur anytime soon.
“Nothing is confirmed at this stage and any such treatments are beyond the traffic operations team’s budget capabilities.”
Public submissions on the planned islands closed in December, with 37 people taking the chance to voice their opinions, 27 in favour of the plans.
“We all know about the safety issues on Langdons Rd and it is going to take a lot to fix them, but this is a quick win.”
Issues raised in the submissions included the need for traffic signals and signalised crossings, cycle safety, and visibility issues at the intersection of Chapel St and Langdons Rd.
Submitter Sheryl Croft was among those who predicted the need for more changes.
“I can see that at some point traffic and crossing lights will probably be needed but I think the islands are a good idea in the meantime,” she said.
However, submitter Scott Campell was among those who did not like the design, criticising it as “timid”.
A pedestrian crossing would be more effective as it would let vehicles yield to pedestrians and cyclists, he said.
