Speed Limit Review South of Kaiapoi

We want people to be safe on our roads. Having speed limits that are appropriate is one way that helps reduce the risks for all road users.

We’re reviewing speed limits on Main North Road, Tram Road, Doubledays Road and side streets as shown on the map. With changes happening on Main North Road, including new traffic signals at Tram Road, a shared path being built for people on bikes and pedestrians and the changes to the motorway, it’s a good time to make sure the speed limit in this area is appropriate.

Travelling the right speed for the risk on the road can help minimise the impact of a crash. Speed is the difference between a correctable mistake and a fatal error – whether we walk or are carried away.

We're proposing to change the speed limit to 60km/h in the areas shown on the map. We want to hear what you think.

What we're proposing:

Why the changes?

1. Main North Road

The area proposed for the speed limit reduction is 1.9km between the Old Waimakariri River Bridge and Kaiapoi, where the existing 50km/h limit begins. This area has recorded 28 crashes over the past five years including two serious crashes. To help make it clearer when giving feedback, this stretch of road is broken up into sections:

From the old Waimakariri Bridge to Neeves Road

This section of Main North Road is undergoing significant changes that affect the use of Main North Road including:

• A new ‘Park & Ride’ facility on Wrights Road, near the intersection with Main North Road
• New traffic lights at the Main North Road/Tram Road intersection
• Introduction of a T2/carpool lane on Tram Road from Main North Road to the motorway on-ramp
• A new 2.5m shared footpath/cycle path on the western side of Main North Road.

These improvements will change the way traffic moves through the area and see more walkers and cyclists using the facilities. We’re proposing to reduce the speed limit from 80km/h to 60 km/h along this section of Main North Road, including the side streets of Wrights Road, and Neeves Road (east).

The Neeves Road intersection and Kaiapoi, where the existing 50km/h limit begins (including the unnamed side street on the western side of Main North Road 450m north of Neeves Road)

With the addition of the shared pathway, 60km/h is considered a safer limit in this area. This would mean a consistent speed limit along the length from Tram Road.

2. Tram Road

The area of Tram Road under review is a 700m section between Main North Road and a point 180m past the eastern intersection of Greigs Road, including 50-100m of the Waka Kotahi (NZTA) motorway on and off-ramps.

The area has recorded 43 road crashes over the past five years, including three serious crashes, and sadly, one fatality.

Many changes are already underway in this area with Waka Kotahi, NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) upgrading the Tram Road/Main North Road intersection as part of the Christchurch Northern Corridor project.

Waka Kotahi propose the following changes as part of the speed limit review:

Tram Road Off-Ramp - change from 100km/h to 60km/h approximately 50-100m from the intersection of Tram Road

Tram Road On-Ramp - extend the proposed 60km/h approximately 50-100m down the on-ramp (from the intersection with Tram Road) then at this point the 100km/h would begin (indicated by a speed sign).

The Northern Corridor upgrade includes the installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Tram Road and Main North and at the motorway on-ramp. There will also be a new T2/carpool vehicle lane added. You can find out more about the new lane here.

The crash history and the number of intersections near the motorway over bridge, indicate that 60km/h is a safer speed limit for this section of road.

3. Doubledays Road

Doubledays Road is winding and narrow in places. To make it safer, we’re proposing to change the speed limit from 100km/h to 60km/h. This change would also keep speed limits consistent if Main North Road were to change to 60km/h.