The Christchurch City Council has over-ridden a plea from the Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Comunity Board to reconsider major traffic changes at the intersection of Riccarton, Ilam and Middleton Roads.

The council plan will significantly impact the intersection, blocking traffic from travelling between Middleton and Ilam Roads. Middleton Road is a major feed to Canterbury University, but through traffic will be prevented under the plan. Instead, traffic will be able to make only left turns coming from each direction. Right turns into Riccarton Road will also be banned.

Council staff proposed a $1 million upgrade to improve safety at what has been labelled the city’s fourth most dangerous intersection, with 40 crashes being reported between 2011 and June last year.

At the May community board meeting, member Helen Broughton strongly opposed the plan, and described it as the most “serious proposal” ever seen to potentially impact residential living.

Mrs Broughton put forward an amendment calling for the vehicle flow from Middleton Rd to Ilam Rd to be maintained.

She also asked for double phasing of the Riccarton Rd traffic signals to give Riccarton Rd traffic more priority and to keep public transport on the road running at an efficient rate.

Mrs Broughton was also concerned that traffic would increase heavily in nearby residential roads such as Field Terrace if the changes went ahead.

While Mrs Broughton’s amendment received some opposition, the majority of board members voted for the suggestions to be sent back to council for approval.

Councillor Mike Davidson, who chairs the council’s Urban Development and Transport Committee, says, “Because of the shape and size of this intersection, the options for improving its safety are limited. We understand the concerns of the Community Board but safety has to come first.’’