Work to construct two large bus shelters and six dedicated bus bays on Tuam Street, between Hagley Avenue and Antigua Street, will begin on 12 March.

Ōtākaro Limited Chief Executive, John Bridgman, says the Health Precinct stops are the busiest in the central city outside of the Bus Interchange.

“The 120 metre section of Tuam Street will be widened by six metres to include three new bus bays on either side of the road.

“This will increase the efficiency of the transport system as buses will be able to pull out of the bus lane to pick up and drop off passengers, rather than stopping in the bus lane as they do now.

“The new large shelters will be like the shelter on the eastern side of Manchester Street and will provide protection from rain and wind for people heading to and from the Health Precinct.

“The footpaths will be widened and paved, and the underground stormwater system upgraded.

“We have delayed the start of these works until contractors working on nearby buildings were no longer impacting traffic flows in the area.

“As Tuam Street is a main route through the city for vehicles, two east-bound vehicle lanes will be kept open during construction, with occasional reductions to one lane during off-peak times.

“Keeping the lanes open does add complexity and time to the project. Consequently, the work will take about nine months to complete, depending on the weather.

“The west-bound bus lane will be closed for the duration of the work. Temporary stops will be in place on Riccarton and Hagley Avenues from 15 March. Signage will direct people to the nearest stop.

“Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the work, but people should be aware of temporary diversions and crossing points at times.”

Construction of the new road layout will cost $6 million and is the final piece of the An Accessible City project Ōtākaro has to carry out.

“The City Promenade and section of Oxford Terrace outside Christchurch Outpatients are working well and being enjoyed by a lot of people. We appreciate everyone’s patience while we carry out this final piece of work to tie it all together,” says Mr Bridgman.

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