Feedback wanted on Harewood intersection safety improvements

Community feedback is being sought on two options for improving the safety of a busy intersection in Harewood.

For several years local residents have been raising concerns about the safety at the intersection of Harewood, Gardiners and Breens roads.

Concerns have been raised about the safety of the intersection of Breens, Gardiners and Harewood roads.

The intersection has been the scene of a number of reported accidents over the past decades and is rated among the top 100 dangerous intersections in Christchurch.

Christchurch City Council is now looking at two options for improving the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists using the intersection.

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The first option involves closing the median on Harewood Road and making both Gardiners Road and Breens Road left turn in and left turn out only. 

This option is preferred by the Council's transport engineers because it will address the safety concerns, has an estimated cost of $400,000, and is likely to be eligible for a funding subsidy from the Government.

Under this option vehicles travelling from Gardiners Road to Breens Road would need to use the u-turn slots already provided on Harewood Road.

Pedestrian signals would be installed at the intersection to allow people to safely cross Harewood Road. Vehicles on Harewood Road would be stopping only when pedestrians push the button to cross the road, minimising the traffic delays.

A bus-only right turn slot would remain on Harewood Road to allow buses to turn into Gardiners Road. The bus would activate the pedestrian signal through sensors under the road to stop oncoming vehicles while the bus turns.

The second option the Council is looking at involves installing traffic lights at the intersection – an option that would cost about $1.2 million and that is unlikely to attract a Government subsidy.

“There is not enough funding in the 2018-28 Long Term Plan for installing traffic lights at this intersection so if the Council decides to go down this route it will need to either take money from another planned project elsewhere in the city or wait until the next Long Term Plan,’’ says Council Transport Planning and Delivery Manager Lynette Ellis.

“We want the community to review both options and to let us know their views on the best way forward,’’ Ms Ellis says.

Two information sessions where residents can learn more about the options and why they are being considered will be held later this month. Both sessions will start with a 20-minute presentation, followed by an opportunity to speak to the project team.

The information sessions will be held on:

• Tuesday 21 May, from 5.30 to 7pm, at the Breens Intermediate School Hall at 85 Breens Road, Bishopdale.
• Thursday 23 May, from 10.30am to midday, at the Bishopdale Community Centre, 13 Bishopdale Court, Bishopdale Shopping Centre.

Information about the options for the intersection is also available online.

The public have until Monday 10 June to give their feedback.