Major transport changes proposed for Victoria Street

A number of major transport changes proposed for Victoria Street will help to promote the area as a destination and prioritise access for pedestrians, cyclists and public-transport users, says Christchurch City Councillor Phil Clearwater.

The Council publicly released its proposal today outlining changes to Victoria Street, between Bealey Avenue and Kilmore Street, including changes to surrounding traffic routes. Feedback on the proposal is being sought until 2 June.

Among the key changes proposed, vehicles would no longer be able to enter or exit Victoria Street from either the Montreal/Salisbury streets or Durham/Kilmore streets intersections, and a new T-intersection with Victoria Street north would be created on Montreal Street. Vehicles would access Victoria Street south via Peterborough Street.

The Council would also remove a total of 50 parking spaces from Victoria Street and surrounding traffic routes to make way for wider footpaths and cycleways, new cycle parking, trees, street furniture and lighting.

Councillor Clearwater, Chair of the Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee, says the Council believes the proposal best supports the travel network for the new central city.

"Victoria Street is part of a wider plan to restore the quality of our streets and to create a more user-friendly transport network, so that motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and public-transport users can all travel through the city safely and efficiently.

"The proposed changes reflect the contemporary style of Victoria Street's new buildings and would provide residents, visitors and local businesses with a high-quality, well-landscaped public space.

"Importantly, the changes also prioritise access for people travelling by foot, bicycle and public transport, helping to create more of a destination area and less of a through-route for traffic.

"Early conversations with local businesses and stakeholders have been generally positive, and it's important we now hear from the community, as the changes will affect everybody who uses Victoria Street and its surrounding traffic routes," adds Councillor Clearwater.

The proposed changes to Victoria Street are part of An Accessible City, which forms the transport chapter of the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan. The chapter prioritises bus, cycle and pedestrian movements on Victoria Street, and motor vehicles on Montreal Street and Bealey Avenue.

Further information about the specific changes proposed for Victoria Street is available on the Council's website at ccc.govt.nz/HaveYourSay

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