Project purpose
The Russley Road (SH1)/Memorial Avenue intersection was identified as experiencing significant peak congestion pressure in the 2002 Scheme Assessment Report for the western route around Christchurch City. The assessment recommended further investigation into potential options for upgrading the intersection. This resulted in the current investigation project with the following objectives:
- Improve access and provide predictable travel times for all modes of transport to and from the airport and along SH1;
- Identify an interim low cost option to help reduce peak period congestion until the preferred design option becomes economically viable;
- Identify a preferred design option for a grade-separated interchange and early securing of the designation for the land required.
Initial investigations have not identified any viable interim low-cost options so the focus of the project has now moved to determining a favoured final design option.
Around 45,000 vehicles per day pass through this intersection, which is set to increase with growth of the traffic volumes along the Western Corridor and the expansion planned to Christchurch Airport. This intersection is the primary access to the airport and is considered a key gateway into the City. The current roundabout combined with the number of vehicles and in particular the trucks and heavy vehicles using the state highway discourage walking and cycling.
Benefits
The upgrading of the intersection will provide improved and more predictable travel times for vehicles using the Western Corridor between Hornby and Belfast. Vehicles using Memorial Avenue to access Christchurch Airport will also benefit from reduced congestion and therefore more predictable travel times. There will also be safety benefits for pedestrians and cyclists using the intersection to access the airport.
Features
NZTA has consulted on options for a grade-separated interchange to improve the capacity and safety of this busy intersection. This process identified a preferred layout for the interchange which was Russley Road (SH1) passing over Memorial Avenue while Memorial Avenue and all left and right turning options remain at ground level.
The key features of the project include:
- recognizing the intersection as a key gateway to Christchurch
- managing significant flows of traffic along the state highway, and to and from the airport during construction
- providing convenient access for cyclists, pedestrians and public transport
- considering and minimising the impact on environmental issues, such as noise, groundwater and stormwater, and the visual impact of large structures
- ensuring safety at the Russley/Wairakei Roads and Russley/Avonhead intersections.
The Russley Road (SH1) four laning project website contains more information on the Russley Road/Memorial Avenue intersection.
