Woodend - Sefton Community Board

Welcome to our first column for 2023 , we have lots of projects on the go for the community this year and we’ll keep you up to date during the year.

Given the impact of SH1 on this area, the focus of this column is on SH1 safety, and the improvements planned by the NZ Transport Agency - Waka Kotahi (NZTA). A major focus of the Board for a number of years has been the safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists on SH1 in and around Woodend, Pegasus and Waikuku with the high traffic volumes on SH1, including heavy vehicles.

The Board believe that the Woodend Bypass is important to allow Woodend to become one community and not be divided by a very busy SH1 which will make it safer for all, and we will continue to advocate for it. However, until a decision is made to fund it some safety improvements are needed now because even if the Bypass was funded tomorrow, it would be years before it was completed . The Board’s thoughts are with the family and friends of the pedestrian, and all those involved, in the tragic accident that occurred in Woodend in January.

Thursday 16 February - NZTA will be at the Woodend Community Centre between 3.30 and 6pm

In early December the Associate Minister for Transport the Hon. Kieran McAnulty came to Waimakariri to announce safety projects being funded around Woodend and Pegasus.

Pop into the community information session being held by NZTA on Thursday, 16 February, anytime between 3.30-6pm, at the Woodend Community Centre where you can look at plans, meet the project team and ask questions .

The planned safety improvements include:

• flexible median safety barriers between Gressons Road and Pegasus roundabout and between Woodend Beach Road and Williams Street

• changes to Pegasus roundabout including a proposed speed limit of 60km/h, reduction to one through lane, raised safety platforms and a safer crossing point on the northern side for people walking, cycling, and scooting

• traffic lights at the Woodend Road intersection

• left-in/left-out intersection at Rangiora Woodend Road

• roundabout near Woodend Beach Road intersection

• roundabout at the Williams Street intersection

Once detailed design is completed and resource consents obtained, construction is planned to star t in 2024. Full information at https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh1-north-canterbury-corridor/saltwater-to-cam/