Improvements starting on Halswell roads

Work has started on Halswell roads to make it safer and easier for tamariki to get to and from school in the fast-growing suburb.

Improvements began last week to the Dunbars Road, Hindess Street, McMahon Drive roundabout, as well as minor changes being made to Ensign and Lillian streets. This work, due to finish on 19 December, is part of a larger package of improvements approved by the Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board in July.

Transport Operations Manager Stephen Wright says it is good to see the work underway.

“We know that Halswell schools and residents will be pleased to see this first phase of work beginning. The aim is to protect our most vulnerable road users as they walk, bike or scooter to school.”

He says the next phase on the Dunbars Road and Halswell Junction Road signalised crossings is programmed for January and February when temperatures are more appropriate for the high friction surfacing.

“Our contractors are doing their best to minimise any impacts the improvement works may have on commuters and residents. There are likely to be some road closures and detours in place for the next stage of work, and we ask for people’s patience during this time as we make things better for the community.”

Residents will be informed of the specific dates and impact of work prior to Christmas.

Design work for the third phase, for Halswell School, is still underway. We expect to have an update after Christmas on this package of works, which will also be delivered by Higgins.

The improvement plans were developed with input from Halswell, Oaklands and Knights Stream schools, who had raised concerns about pedestrian safety with their community board and through Council service requests.