Heathcote Expressway cycleway closure
Cody C made this Official Information request to Christchurch City Council
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From: Cody C
Dear Christchurch City Council,
RE: Heathcote Expressway cycleway
1. Please provide the legislative / operational basis that Council believes that work must be done to improve safety at KiwiRail level crossings, even if the cycleway did not cross the railway line.
I understand that this is KiwiRail's policy; however, Railways Act 2005 s81(1) states that this may (but not must) be done at the discretion of the licensed access provider (KiwiRail).
2. Please provide the Railways Act 2005 s81(3) agreement between Council & KiwiRail (if any) for this cycleway, or more generally (if not specific to this cycleway).
3. Was the Pedestrian Accessway Closure Policy 2020 followed to consult with Community Board? If not, why not and which role of Council authorised the Road / Reserve closure and under what level of authority (from the authorities register)?
4. Was s342(1)(b) of the Local Government Act 1974 followed to close the road; or s23(3) of the Reserves Act followed to close the Reserve; or some other process?
5. Will this mean that motor vehicle access to the property at 125 Scruttons Road will be stopped? If not, why not given the ever-present danger of trains?
6. Did KiwiRail direct the cycleway to be closed? If so, please provide that communication from KiwiRail to Council.
7. Please supply memos (or similar) supplied to Elected Members on this matter.
Yours faithfully,
Cody C
From: Official Information
Christchurch City Council
Kia ora Cody,
Thank you for your request for information.
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Nāku noa iti, nā
Jess Griffin
Official Information Advisor
Te Ratonga Ture me te Manapori - Legal & Democratic Services
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Patrick Dunford left an annotation ()
It appears this is all based on perceived risk to cyclists. Only two cyclists have been killed on NZ railway crossings in the last decade.
Paul Shelestovich left an annotation ()
Since KiwiRail is a state owned enterprise, can we demand to fire the person who made this "wise" decision to close the cycleway as incompetent?
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Patrick Dunford left an annotation ()
It is likely that a short stack hazard has been created at this crossing by placing the cycleway crossing too close to the railway crossing.
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