CHURCH CORNER ROAD PLAN TO BE RE-EXAMINED

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29830, 24 May 1962, Page 20

CHURCH CORNER ROAD PLAN TO BE RE-EXAMINED

A re-examination of the proposed traffic engineering of Riccarton road in the Church corner area will be made by the Ministry of Works, the National Roads Board, and the Transport Department, in conjunction with Upper Riccarton businessmen.

This was decided by the Minister of Works (Mr Goosman) yesterday morning after hearing submissions from a deputation of Upper Riccarton businessmen.

The deputation was concerned that a proposed median strip and elimination of parking on both sides of the road near Church corner would seriously affect businesses.

• The length of Riccarton road to be dealt with includes the junction of the Main South and West roads and the Hansons lane access to Blenheim road.

Mr M. A. Connelly, member of Parliament for Riccarton, said that the business community realised there was a need for improvement of Riccarton road because of the traffic concentration, but it was not satisfied with the Ministry of Works plan. "It would impede the flow

of traffic and eliminate some parking areas,’’ he said. "The plan would not represent a long-term solution.” Mr J. I. Colligan. chairman of the Waimairi County Council, said that the proposed channelling of traffic by a median strip would be a waste of £12.000. the estimated cost. He suggested a roundabout at Church corner, and an underground pedestrian crossing as a long-term project. Mr G. E. Hill said that the businessmen were against the proposed median strip. which would cut out parking through the shopping area. Trade would be lost, and residents would be inconvenienced. A faster flow of traffic would result from the ; “motorway effect.” and would be a traffic hazard. Mr H. G. Hay said that the median strip would accentuate the traffic problem, especially at the Hansons lane corner with Riccarton road. He recommended “one or two” traffic islands for pedestrians, instead of the median strip. There might also be a future need for traffic light* at the Hansons lane crossing, Mr Hay said. This was supported by the Paparua

County Council, although not all the shopkeepers were in favour of it. The District CommiMioner of Works (Mr E. C. Smart) said there was traffic congestion now. which would build up in the future. “We don’t want to impose anything on local people which is strongly opposed, said Mr Goosman. He said he would send a senior officer from the National Roads Board in Wellington to discuss the matter at a roundtable conference. He would also ask for a senior officer to attend from the Transport Department “Something suitable can be hammered out with the local interests.” said Mr Goosman.