Grassmere truck movements paused while Council addresses vibration; alternative access unlikely in short term

Christchurch City Council has published an update on work on the new wastewater storage facility in the Cranford Basin.

Truck movements along Grassmere Street have been paused, and contractors are reducing the height of manholes along the street. Along with replacement of some pavers and resurfacing of a section of the road, this work is intended to reduce vibration from future truck movements. A revised traffic management plan limits trucks to 30km/h, and restricts heavy vehicles from crossing the Papanui Parallel cycleway between 8:30am-9am and 3pm-3:30pm.

The Council advises that an alternative access route for trucks is unlikely in the short term, citing the need to purchase land, develop designs, and get resource consent from ECan.

For more information and the option to sign up for project newsletters, head to:
https://ccc.govt.nz/services/water-and-drainage/water-projects/papanui3w

Construction underway: permanent peak-hour bus lanes for Cranford Street

From Monday 18 May for around six weeks, contractors will be working to implement permanent peak-hour bus lanes on Cranford Street between Innes Road and Berwick Street. This includes updates of the existing road marking & signage, and installation of bus lane cameras, along with safety improvements at the Cranford Street / Westminster Street intersection and the English Park signalised crossing.

This work was approved by the Council in December 2024, following a recommendation by the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board.
While the bus lanes have operated as a trial since 2021, they have not yet been enforced. This construction will formally implement the permanent layout of the bus lanes and provide for enforcement.

For more information see the pictured start work notice, or head to:
https://ccc.govt.nz/transport/works-3/show/2006

Have your say on the future of public transport

ECan is reviewing the bus and ferry network within Christchurch and the surrounding townships in Selwyn and Waimakariri.

Whether you catch the bus often, sometimes, or never – ECan wants to know:

  • what works and what doesn’t
  • what would encourage you to use public transport more often
  • which changes should be prioritised across the network
  • what would make the biggest difference for you and your family.

A consultation document may have arrived in your letterbox already. Click through for more information and a link to a survey, or you can pick up a feedback form at local libraries.

Feedback is open until Wednesday 24 June.

Water and roading infrastructure construction to commence

The Council has a two-year programme of work underway to upgrade water and roading infrastructure in Christchurch’s northwest.

Works expected to start in May include: water supply pipe replacement on a 2km section of Harewood Road; installation of new separated cycleway on Matsons Avenue and Harewood Road, as part of the Nor’West Arc and Wheels to Wings cycleways; and replacement of wastewater pipes on Matsons Avenue, Chapel Street and a section of Harewood Road.

“The upgrades will ensure these essential services continue to meet the needs of our growing communities.” says the Council. “We’ve carefully planned the projects to reduce disruption, keep traffic flowing and get out of the way as quickly as possible.”

Isaac Construction has been awarded the cycleway and wastewater contract on Matsons Avenue, Chapel Street and Harewood Road. There’s an opportunity to meet the contractor and hear more about the project at 10am on Saturday 16 May 2026 at the Chapel Street Centre 68 Harewood Road.

For more information and to sign up for project newsletters, see:
– Overall Northwest water and roading upgrades programme
– Nor’West Arc cycleway extension, wastewater work and street renewal 

11 May 2026 Community Board meeting outcomes

On Monday 11 May 2026, the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board:

  • heard from the St Albans Residents Association regarding Cranford Street, and from a Francis Avenue resident regarding traffic issues in her area;
  • heard a deputation from ICON – Inner City West Neighbourhood Association regarding the Community Board’s draft plan;
  • approved the concept plan for a play space renewal at Fortune Reserve;
  • approved safety- and streetscape-related changes for Edgeware Village;
  • approved no stopping restrictions at the intersection of London & Perth Streets;
  • approved the extension of Leander Street in Papanui (pic);
  • adopted the 2026-28 Community Board Plan, with minor amendments following public feedback;
  • approved two grants from the Board’s Discretionary Response Fund;
  • and received an area report on issues and initiatives within the Board area.

The Board will next meet on Monday 8 June 2026.

Click through for the full minutes:
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2026/05/PCBCC_20260511_MIN_11312_AT_WEB.htm

Northern Line MCR closure for streetlight renewals

The Northern Line cycleway / shared path is being progressively closed in sections to enable streetlight pole renewals along the corridor. Council advises that these renewals are necessary to maintain the safety, reliability, and long-term functionality of the lighting infrastructure within the area.

To minimise disruption to users and nearby residents the works are being staged in short sections, and closures are limited to daytime working hours between 9am and 3pm, with sections reopened as soon as works are completed. In some cases, sections may reopen earlier than originally scheduled depending on progress.

Advance warning signage and detour information have been put in place to help guide cyclists and pedestrians safely around the active work areas.

The section just north of Wairakei Road is being worked on at the time of posting, and will be completed in the next day or so.

Estimated dates for the balance of the work:

  • Wairakei Rd to Glandovey Rd 11/5/2026 until 15/5/2026.
  • Glandovey Rd to Fendalton Rd 12/5/2026 until 19/5/2026.
  • Fendalton Rd To Matai St West 13/5/2026 until 21/5/2026.

Council consults on Condell Ave street renewal, tree removal

Consultation is open on the planned renewal of Condell Avenue, between Matsons Ave and Blighs Rd.

The proposed project will:

  • replace the deep-dish gutter with shallow kerb and channel;
  • improve drainage;
  • reconstruct the footpath and road;
  • provide a narrower crossing point near the retirement villages;
  • and improve road markings.

Condell Avenue is one of 16 avenues in Papanui that were planted with trees as a living memorial to soldiers who died during World War II. The associated heritage status means that any alteration to Council land requires resource consent, and as a result of this restriction only limited improvements are proposed.

To provide separation between trees and power lines all trees on the eastern side of the road are proposed to be removed, with trees retained on the western side only.

Click through for more information and an online feedback form. Consultation is open until 10 May 2026.
https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/condellrenewal

Papanui RSA Anzac Day march & service 2026

The Papanui RSA is holding a march and service this Anzac Day Saturday 25 April 2026 at the Papanui Club, 310 Sawyers Arms Road. The march will form up at the rear of the Papanui Club near the Bowling Club from 9:30am, and the service will be held on the front grassed area at 10am. The community is invited to come together, pay their respects, and remember those who served. For more information see this Facebook post or the Papanui RSA’s Facebook Page.