Traffic signal upgrades to address delays around Memorial Avenue
Christchurch City Council Newsline: 19th August 2025
Upgrades are set to begin at three Memorial Avenue intersections to ease congestion linked to nearby wastewater upgrades.
“For the last year we’ve been installing new, bigger pipes to help meet increasing demands on our wastewater network generated by our growing city,” said Head of Three Waters Gavin Hutchison.
“We’ve been working on Clyde and Creyke roads, and our work is now focused on Maidstone Road, between Ilam Road and Waimairi Road,” Mr Hutchison said.
Head of Transport Lynette Ellis says, “We acknowledge that this essential work is creating extra delays around Memorial Avenue, so we’re making these signal upgrades to keep traffic flowing more smoothly through the area.”
The signal upgrades involve small light phasing changes at the intersections of Memorial Avenue/Grahams Road and Memorial Avenue/Ilam Road.
This work is expected to take around two weeks and will not create a significant traffic impact for people travelling through the area.
The signals at the intersection of Memorial Avenue and Greers Road will see a more significant upgrade, with end-of-service-life traffic lights being replaced to allow for a new right-turn phase from Greers Road (south).
This will also include safety improvements for people walking and crossing the road, with red arrow pedestrian protection and increased separation between crossings.
“We need to balance the needs of everyone using this busy intersection. These changes will make it safer for people to cross, while also helping motorists get through with fewer delays,” Ms Ellis said.
“Our wastewater upgrade is due to finish by mid-2026, but we’re currently ahead of schedule and we’re doing everything we can to wrap up early,” Mr Hutchison said.