Transport Choices design for Arthur Street

Timaru District Council is asking the community what they think about plans to improve the safety and efficiency of one of Timaru’s junctions, and the possible creation of a new green space.

Together with Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency, Timaru District Council is consulting on ideas to improve pedestrian and driver safety at the intersection of Arthur Street and Theodosia Street (SH1). The key changes being explored limiting the turns onto the highway from the city side Arthur Street and the closure of the Ara side of the street improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists crossing Theodosia Street (SH1).

The final improvements made will be majority funded through as a part of Waka Kotahi’s Transport Choices Roading Project.

Transport Choices funding is available to councils to help create fairer, safer, and healthier environments for people to live, work and play across the country.

The proposals are:

Option 1

-           Raised and traffic ramped crossing point for path users, across Theodosia Street (SH 1)

-           No right turn for traffic from Arthur Street East, onto Theodosia Street (SH 1)

-           Median refuge island for path users crossing Theodosia Street (SH 1)

-           Street end closure for traffic of Arthur Street West

Option 2

-           No right turn for traffic from Arthur Street East, onto Theodosia Street (SH 1)

-           Median refuge island for path users crossing Theodosia Street (SH 1)

-           Street end closure for traffic of Arthur Street West

Option 3

-           Median refuge island for path users crossing Theodosia Street (SH 1)

-           Street end closure for traffic of Arthur Street West

Anna Nord, Urban Mobility Advisor, Waka Kotahi, said the changes proposed on Arthur Street will open the street to people and create a place that reflects the Ara Te Pukenga campus and the new housing development from Kāinga Ora.

The council is proposing to create a cul de sac on Arthur Street and install a raised pedestrian crossing Theodosia St., SH 1.

These changes work together to improve safety for people walking and cycling and are a part of a larger network of safe walking and cycling paths in Timaru.

Suzy Ratahi, Timaru District Land Transport Manager said the project will improve the safety and visibility of pedestrians and make things simpler and safer for drivers.

“With the large number of students attending Ara, as well as the major new housing developments alongside it’s important that this neighbourhood has good connections with our CBD.

“The aim of the project is to enhance the accessibility and comfort of people with disabilities, seniors, and children who use the crossing. It will also create a more attractive and liveable streetscape.

“The design proposed aims to create a more attractive and accessible public space for the community, while improving the safety and efficiency of the state highway.

“This is an important junction, and it’s important that we get it right, so we’d really like as many people as possible to have their say on what’s being proposed.

To help us understand your perspective and preferences, we have prepared a short survey with some questions about the proposals. The survey will be live until 25 September 2023.

For more information or to complete the survey, head to: https://www.timaru.govt.nz/services/roads-parking-and-transport/transport-choices-arthur-street