A safe lead-in to Christmas 2013 – tips to minimise traffic stress

As the end of the year approaches, SCIRT’s road work crews have just a handful of weeks to get projects completed or able to be fenced off safely by Friday, 20 December.

In the central city and in the suburbs from Brighton across to Fendalton, drivers will continue to encounter road crews and road cones on busy arterial routes between now and then.

•          SCIRT encourages all drivers to build in extra time, particularly at peak periods.

•          Driving outside the peak hours is one way to minimise stress.

•          Catching a bus is another great idea for people doing Christmas shopping and wanting to avoid having to find a car park. The Metro bus exchange is right in the heart of the city behind the Re:Start Mall on Tuam St. Phone 366 88 55 for your next bus.

•          Sharing a ride to do your shopping with a friend is another good way to make a trip more enjoyable.

“We want all our work crews to get home safely for Christmas,” says SCIRT general manager Duncan Gibb. “They wear high-visibility clothing on site but are still reliant upon people inside their cars taking them into account. People are generally very good around our work sites, but we know that the lead-in to Christmas can be stressful, so watch for signs and do something about them early.”

Duncan Gibb noted that some key city routes like Durham St, St Asaph St and Cambridge Terrace will be busy. Drivers and shoppers are encouraged to check the www.transportforchristchurch.govt.nz website before they head into the city or pick a one-way street to get across the central city.

The central business district map is updated at the end of each week and published in the newspaper  every weekend. The map is found under the main map on the home page (above), called “CBD Available Routes Map.”

SCIRT crews are also working near a number of large malls so the same “build in extra time, plan to be relaxed and safe” message applies wherever people travel around the city.

“Most SCIRT crews have worked long hours this year, often including a Saturday, so the break is important for them also,” says Duncan Gibb. “On behalf of everyone working for SCIRT, we are grateful for the ongoing courtesy of drivers and the kindness of residents. SCIRT’s construction teams continue to do their best to maintain business access-ways, parking and signage wherever possible. In turn we ask Christchurch people to go the extra mile to get to their favourite retailers, even when they are working with road work sites nearby and parking is reduced.

“Everyone working for SCIRT wishes Christchurch people a safe and happy holiday period. Watch out for your friends and families over the break.

SCIRT crews will resume work for the year from Monday, 6 January, 2014. The after-hours numbers for work sites would continue to be managed throughout – either use the 0800/ 0508 numbers on the work sites, or call 941 8999.

ENDS

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