Cambridge Terrace (Barbadoes Street to Fitzgerald Avenue) Street Renewal and Landscaping projects

This project includes a combined walking and cycling path along the section of Cambridge Tce between Barbadoes Street to Fitzgerald Avenue, in line with the Avon masterplan.  Looks good, and contributes to the slowly developing Avon River promenade and improved cycling facilities down the river. 

The only thing missing is an upgrade (widening) of the path along the river to the Fitzgerald/ Kilmore intersection which provides handy access to River Road and on down the Avon.  No doubt this will be covered in any submission.  

A project information evening will be held on Tuesday 2 June at the Christchurch Bridge Club 21 Nova Place, Christchurch from 4.45 to 6.45 pm.

A plan of the proposal is attached below.

Emailed comments were sent as follows:

Philippa Upton
Consultation Leader - Transport & Greenspace
Christchurch City Council
Ph: 03 941 8808
Email: philippa [dot] upton [at] ccc [dot] govt [dot] nz

Dear Phillipa

Re:  Cambridge Terrace (Barbadoes Street to Fitzgerald Avenue) Street Renewal and Landscaping projects

Thanks for the opportunity to comment on this project.  Spokes strongly supports the proposal to provide a combined walking and cycling path between Cambridge Terrace and the Avon River as part of this project, in line with the Avon River Masterplan.  We also support the proposed provisions for seating in the area.  We make the following additional comments.

Linkage to path between Fitzgerald Ave and river, and path widening

As discussed with you by phone, we would like to see the existing pathway that runs from the eastern end of Cambridge Terrace to Kilmore Street along the river below Fitzgerald Ave upgraded, and linked with the proposed combined path that is part of this project.  This existing path provides walking and cycling access from Cambridge Tce to River Road via a crossing refuge on Fitzgerald Ave (by the bridge), and then on down the true left of the Avon River.  This path needs to be widened as part of the project, as it is currently too narrow for two-way walking and cycling traffic, and is overgrown in places.  Opening out the path should also encourage more people to use it, as it is somewhat enclosed and hidden away at the moment.

Other matters

Suitable connections should also be provided from the new shared path along Cambridge Tce to the existing Fitzgerald Ave - Heywood Tce crossing, and hold rails should be provided at crossing points.

If Cambridge Tce is to remain open to Fitzgerald Ave, it would make more sense to have one of the street narrowings/ crossing at the lychgate entrance; have another one somewhat further south of the proposed eastern one (e.g. about where the lower "9.0m" dimension is), and a third one closer to Churchill St (to discourage traffic using the river section).

Cyclists currently ride through the cemetery to reach Barbadoes St.  It would be desirable to have some connectivity (e.g. through a wider path suitable for shared usage) from the lychgate to the Cambridge Tce crossing a bit further east, so that one can get to and from the path that runs alongside the river.

We would also suggest that a footbridge across the Avon at Churchill and Bangor Streets (as suggested in the Avon River Masterplan) would improve walking and cycling connectivity in the area.

Thanks again.  Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any queries, or require further information.

Cheers

Rob

Robin Delamore
Submissions coordinator - Spokes