Upgrade makes school cycling safer

Christchurch, New Zealand - Students of Te Aratai College will soon be connected to two major cycleways – Rapanui-Shag Rock and the Heathcote Expressway.

The project, which starts the week of 27 July, will take place along Aldwins Road and Ensors Road, from Linwood Avenue to Sullivan Avenue. 

It will include new separated cycleways and shared pathways, new traffic signals at the

Harrow Street/Aldwins Road intersection, upgraded footpaths and kerbing, and new median islands and road markings. 

The cycleway will make it easier and safer for students to bike to Te Aratai College and Ara’s Sullivan Avenue campus. Work is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.  

Transport Planning and Delivery Manager Jacob Bradbury said connecting the cycleways from Rapanui Shag Rock and Heathcote is an important step in completing the city’s major cycleway network. 

“We know works can cause disruptions for residents and road users – we'll do our best to limit this as much as possible. We'll keep you updated as we progress. We'll maintain access for pedestrians, with signage to direct pedestrians and cyclists.” 

“The separated cycleways and shared paths along Ensors and Aldwins Road will make it easier and safer for students to bike to Te Aratai and Ara. It complements our major cycleway network by providing a continuous connection between the Rapanui-Shag Rock cycleway and the Heathcote Expressway cycleway,” he said.

There will be clear traffic management and safety signage in place while work is underway to keep pedestrians, cyclists and road users safe. Please take care and follow all safety directions. 

There will be detours in place at the Harrow Street/Aldwins Road intersection, temporary delays, lane closures and changes to pedestrian and cycling routes. Access to homes, businesses and schools will be maintained wherever possible.