Port Loop Road
Shared path
This trial tested one of the key moves in the CityTown Strategic Framework: Coastline Connection, ārai te uru. lt explored ways to re-invigorate a key walking and cycling connection between Timaru’s city centre and Caroline Bay.
What happened and why?
From December 2022 to March 2023, this trial sought ways to re-invigorate a key walking and cycling connection between Timaru’s city centre and Caroline Bay.
This trial coincided with our participation in Waka Kotahi’s Streets for People programme, which created opportunities for councils to partner with communities to accelerate street change projects (e.g. walking and cycling improvements).
Supported by CityTown and Streets for People, the Port Loop trial provided a unique opportunity to explore what improvements could be made and how much space is needed, before a major watermain renewal project takes place from April 2023. Permanent changes to the road layout and resealing will then occur in the same year, embedding learnings from the trial.
Through a series of events and activations, participatory experiences and interactive surveys, the trial sought find out whether the changes increased the number of people walking and cycling, broadened the range of ages and mobilities using the route, and increased visits to Caroline Bay and the City.
The trial will enable elements that respond to place narrative, emerging from mana whenua partnering and stakeholder conversations. The trial will extend safe walking and cycle connections to Caroline Bay and Marine Parade to the north, into Hayes Street and coastal trails to the south, and into town via the Strathallan footbridge.
What you may have seen:
Altered road markings to remove the flush median
Bi-directional cycle lane, protected by traffic separators and flex posts
Relocated truck parking to give greater separation between roadway and pedestrians
Wayfinding elements and visual cues at Strathallan footbridge to entice people into town.
Planned activations to encourage participation.
What you may have seen:
artwork
Timaru-based multimedia artist, weaver and Arowhenua representative Francine Spencer (Kāti Māmoe, Ngāi Tahu, Waitaha and Taranaki) created a past-present-future story with a series of weavings on the fence along the flat stretch of Port Loop Road in Timaru. In this work Fran has used recycled materials, including mooring ropes from PrimePort Timaru, to weave a story on the fence that spans hundreds of years of history.
Fran started weaving learning traditional techniques and later began to explore contemporary methods in her artwork. This work combines both: using elements of traditional techniques in a contemporary context. You can listen to the stories behind this artwork to the right.
Want to know more? Press play to hear from the artist herself.
The artist - Francine Spencer
