We’re building the northernmost section of the Nor'West Arc cycleway to make it safer and easier for people to cycle in Papanui. We're also upgrading wastewater pipes in the area at the same time.
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In January 2025, work began on constructing the northernmost section of Te Ara O-Rakipaoa Nor'West Arc cycleway. We're also completing wastewater pipe renewals in the area, installing a new stormwater network, making water supply upgrades, and completing a street renewal on Aorangi Road.
These projects have been programmed together to ensure a coordinated approach to work in the area.
Stages
The work is being completed in three stages, with the full project scope expected to be completed by the end of 2027:
- Stage 1 – Aorangi Road between Brookside Terrace and Condell Avenue was completed in February 2026.
- Stage 2 – Which incorporates Matsons Avenue to Harewood Road, is under construction between May and December 2026. Read our Newsline story for more information. (external link)
- Stage 3 – Aorangi Road between Ilam Road and Brookside Terrace. Renewed community consultation on the design took place in April/May 2026 and will see a two-way separated cycleway constructed on the northern side of Aorangi Road, alongside wastewater upgrades and full street renewal. Construction timing will be coordinated with the Northwest programme of water and roading upgrades.
View the traffic impacts drop-down tab below for information on the current phase of work and associated impacts.
Work to construct the northernmost section of the Nor’West Arc cycleway has been timed with significant three waters upgrades, to ensure a coordinated approach to work in the area. The construction programme began in January 2025 and is expected to wrap up by the end of 2027. The work will be delivered in three stages. The completed cycleway and street renewal on Aorangi Road between Brookside Terrace and Condell Avenue. The second stage of the project incorporates Matsons Avenue, Chapel Street and Harewood Road. Isaac Construction has been appointed as the contractor, and construction works will take place between 2 June and late December 2026. We know roadworks can be frustrating. We’ve carefully planned our programme to keep traffic flowing and get out of the way as quickly as possible: Throughout the project, temporary traffic management will be in place to keep road users and contractors safe. Please take care to follow signage and reduce speeds when travelling through the work site. Work will begin at the same time on the three zones, as shown on the map below. Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm. Some weekend work may be necessary at points throughout the project. Isaac Construction communications advisor – Hayley: 027 323 0056 or email mcrnorwestarc@isaac.co.nz. Main construction is expected to get underway in early June 2026. Read the start works notice(external link). There may be temporary disruptions during construction. Please get in touch with the Isaac Construction team on 027 323 0056 to inform them of any access requirements ahead of time. If a section of the road is closed, alternative access or assistance will be provided. If you need assistance when exiting or entering your property, please signal to a member of the crew or contact them on the above phone number. If the construction team need to interrupt your driveway access, they will advise of this prior to doing so through text or door-knocking. Sign up to receive updates about the work(external link). We do not anticipate any major interruptions to services. If any are planned, we will notify affected residents in advance. Part of our underground work involves the safe management of extracted groundwater. This is the water seen on the roads, which will be carried away via the stormwater system. There are areas where on-street parking will be removed, but there will still be plenty of parking spaces retained. The plan has not changed since it was approved in February 2022. The table below provides some information about the change in on-street parking. The measurements were done in lengths (m), with approximately six metres allocated to one car park. The percentage of parking retained is approximately 52%. On Wairakei Road, no car parks have been removed. Yes, two traffic monitoring cameras have been installed at the Wairakei/Aorangi intersection to help the Council observe traffic flow and respond quickly to any incidents that may occur. Te Ara O-Rakipaoa Nor'West Arc cycleway connects cyclists from Cashmere to Papanui, via Spreydon, Middleton, Riccarton and Ilam. The route begins at Princess Margaret Hospital in Cashmere and is currently open as far as Jellie Park Recreation and Sport Centre on Ilam Road. The cycleway provides a safer route for cyclists to get to school, university, work, pools and gym, parks, and local shops. Making it safer for people to bike helps reduce congestion, lowers emissions and makes it easier for cyclists to get around. At their meeting on Thursday 3 February 2022, the Urban Development and Transport Committee approved the revised scheme design of the Major Cycleway Route Nor’West Arc Section 3. See the meeting agenda(external link) and minutes(external link) for more information. At their meeting on 10 December, Christchurch city councillors decided against the proposed lower speed limits for streets associated with the Nor’West Arc cycleway. People could provide their feedback between 19 September and 31 October 2025. The speed limit on Aorangi Road, Condell Avenue and Matsons Avenue will remain at 50km/h. A small section of cycleway on Aorangi Road between Ilam Road and Brookside Terrace will be completed as part of the planned street renewal of Aorangi Road. Renewed community consultation on the design took place in April/May this year and will see a two-way separated cycleway constructed on the northern side of Aorangi Road, alongside wastewater upgrades and full street renewal. The design was approved by the Council on 2 September 2026. Subscribers of our general project updates(external link) will be notified by email when the project moves into a new stage/phase, and there are changes to traffic management and the work area layout. We may also let you know about key milestones we've achieved. If you would like to receive more information about the project's progress from our contractor, Isaac Construction, you can sign up(external link) for their email updates, which will be sent more regularly. Additionally, residents or businesses located within, or close to, the work area can sign up for the contractor's site-specific text alerts and email updates on the work(external link).
Key works for all three stages of the project
Hours of work
Who to contact for questions about the work
Timeframe for the Stage 2 work, incorporating Matsons Avenue to Harewood Road
Vehicle access to properties
Interruptions to electricity, water, or internet
Water on the street
On-street parking is available for vehicles once complete
Section
Existing carpark count
Approx. existing length (m)
New length (m)
Approx. new carpark count
Between Ilam Road and Clyde Road
62
370
190
32
Between Clyde Road and Brookside Terrace
65
390
120
20
Between Brookside Terrace and Wairakei Road
60
360
140
23
Between Wairakei Road and Condell Avenue
122
730
410
68
Condell Avenue
28
170
30
5
Matsons Avenue
110
660
520
86
Totals
447
2680
1410
234
Intersection cameras
Speed consultation decision
Consultation on Stage 3
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