Roading and transport regeneration projects funded

A handful of projects in the Linwood area have been given the green light, meaning repairs and rebuilds can get under way this year.

The projects are part of the Christchurch Regeneration Acceleration Facility programme.

The projects approved are:

• A redesign of the Linwood Avenue School slip lane.
• An area-wide speed restriction covering Linwood and Bromley.
• Traffic calming along the length of Smith St, including cycle delineation and a pedestrian island leading to Te Pou Toetoe: Linwood Pool.
• A new footpath and turning head on Rhona St at Te Pāo Rākaihautū School.
• The rebuild of Wyon St from Buckleys Rd to Worcester St, and the rebuild of the whole length of Hulbert St.
• The rebuild of Chelsea St from Russell St to Pamela St, and repair of Chelsea St from Linwood Ave to Russell St.
• The restoration of Butterfield Ave from Buckleys Rd to Hay St.
• The restoration of Worcester St from Linwood Ave to McLean St.

Linwood Ward Christchurch city councillor Yani Johanson proposed additional projects – a new pedestrian and cycle lane pathway along Aldwins Rd, providing access to Te Aratai College – which were approved too.

Johanson also requested staff advice on whether Darce St could be added to the city council’s street renewal programme to be completed the same time as the CRAF works of the rebuild of Wyon and Hulbert St.

The projects were approved by the Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board at its latest meeting.

The CRAF programme was announced in the 2017 central government election campaign as part of the ‘plan for Canterbury’ to accelerate the city’s recovery post-earthquakes.

A total of $6.5 million has been allocated to roading and transport improvements to safety and access, and condition in Linwood and Woolston.

Board chairwoman Alexandra Davids said the board has had many meetings with city council staff about the CRAF projects over what feels like a very long time.

“It will be such a relief to the communities getting some much- needed investment,” Davids said.

Detailed plans for the project are yet to be completed, with a decision report to be brought back to the board for approval before design and construction will begin.