Residents of the western end of Elizabeth Street have now been blocked permanently from driving into Wainui Street.

The permanent closure yesterday is part of work being carried out to build the South Express Cycleway, that will link Templeton to Christchurch. The only access to the western end of Elizabeth Street from now on will be from Centennial Avenue.

This street closure is one of a number of traffic changes that will have a significant impact on the surrounding area.

Elizabeth St will be turned into a cul-de-sac at the Clarence St intersection for those heading west.

The intersection of Elizabeth and Division Sts would be split diagonally northwest to southeast by the cycleway, preventing cars from crossing. Ballantyne Ave will become a cul-de-sac at Suva St. Moffett St would become a cul-de-sac at Gilberthorpes Rd. New traffic signals would be added at 11 intersections along the route.

About 65 trees will be replaced as part of the $38 million cycleway.