Minister pushes ahead with Woodend Bypass, toll considered
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has given the green light for planning to begin on the long-awaited Woodend Bypass, with a toll among the funding options being considered.
Brown joined Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey at the Pegasus Roundabout in Canterbury on Friday to announce planning will begin on the Belfast to Pegasus Motorway, which includes the bypass on State Highway 1.
It was one of the first seven projects in the Roads of National Significance signalled in the Government Policy Statement.
The announcement allows NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to begin planning the route, design work and costing the project.
‘‘It will help boost productivity and facilitate the faster movement of freight across New Zealand,’’ Brown said.
‘‘Locally, the Woodend Bypass is important for Christchurch, Canterbury and the South Island.
‘‘This project has been talked about for too long and we going to get it back on track.’’
State Highway 1 currently cuts through the town of Woodend, slowing traffic and raising safety concerns.
Brown said more details would be included in the National Land Transport Plan, which is due to be released in September.
The agency has been asked to consider all funding options, including a road toll and public-private partnerships.
‘‘I am expecting tolling assessments to be made for every Road of National Significance,’’ Brown said.
‘‘If tolling is what is recommended, we will do it.’’
Waka Kotahi regional relationships director James Caygill said the agency had been waiting for the minister’s announcement.
‘‘He has told us to ‘get on with it’ and now we can go out and talk to landowners, and go out and re-look at the route and see what has changed in the last 10 years.
‘‘Ravenswood wasn’t here 10 years ago and there has been a lot of growth.’’
A route to the east of Woodend, from Pine Acres, north of Kaiapoi, to the Pegasus Roundabout was designated for the Woodend Bypass by Waka Kotahi in 2014.
Caygill said the Pegasus Roundabout would need to be replaced and the agency was aware of two shingle pit lakes near Pine Acres, which would all be considered in the design process.
A pedestrian and cycle underpass between Pegasus and Ravenswood, and proposed cycle ways linking Woodend with Pegasus and Kaiapoi were also ‘‘on the table’’, he said.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said the Woodend Bypass was a priority for the district.
‘‘The minister’s message is very clear. We welcome that direction and we want to see it completed.
‘‘The community has been waiting for a long time.
‘‘This is probably the largest roading project our district has seen.’’
Gordon said the council looked forward to seeing the detailed design and was ready to partner with Waka Kotahi to see the bypass delivered.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.8% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11.2% Yes!
Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
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What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
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90% Yes
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10% No
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
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