Traffic lights to improve safety on Christchurch motorway off-ramp
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
Traffic lights are being installed at the intersection of Tram Rd and State Highway 1 in Canterbury to improve safety.
A number of serious crashes, including a fatality, over the last decade have prompted NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to make safety improvements to the Tram Road off-ramp, including lights.
NZTA planned to start work in January and it is expected to take up to four months.
Traffic lights are already in operation at the Tram Rd on-ramp end on to the Christchurch Northern Corridor.
NZTA principal project manager Brendon French said traffic lights would improve the safety and efficiency for those turning right towards Kaiapoi from the off-ramp.
"We will be altering the free left turn to improve the safe merging space for drivers turning on to Tram Rd.
"This includes relocating existing light poles on Tram Rd, and the pole near Greigs Rd, so the merge lane can work more effectively."
New kerb and channel will be installed and the free left hand turn extended.
A 2m-wide cycle lane will also be installed around the free left turn on to Tram Rd.
French said the cycle lane would go through the traffic island to provide a safe crossing point for cyclists travelling west towards Ohoka along Tram Rd.
"Without this feature, cyclists would be riding between the straight through and merge lanes, creating danger for themselves and confusion for the accelerating, merging vehicle drivers."
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon welcomed a safer off-ramp at Tram Rd.
"This issue was first raised with our council following a serious accident a few years ago.
"I sought a meeting with NZTA to raise the issue and it is great to see this long-standing safety issue being addressed."
Traffic Control Systems is the lead contractor, with Isaac Construction doing the pavement surfacing and some kerb and channel work.
The project is expected to cost about $1.4 million.
A temporary 30kph speed limit will be in place, with the off-ramp closed at times.
Drivers will need to use the Ohoka Rd off-ramp and follow the detour via Island Rd to return to Tram Rd, adding about five minutes to their journey.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.6% 1st December
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17.5% A week before Christmas
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33.2% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
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