“We just gap it”: Pedestrian Safety Concerns Prompt New Zebra Crossing on Ilam Road.

Concerns have been raised about the safety of pedestrians crossing Ilam Road near the junction of Homestead Lane. PHOTO: Zoe Fenton.

A new zebra crossing is set to be installed on Ilam Road near Homestead Lane, with construction expected to begin later this year.

A University of Canterbury spokesperson said the proposed pedestrian crossing will “provide a safer and more direct connection” between the university’s campus and the halls of residence.

“Ilam road is a busy area for pedestrians, bikes, and vehicles… [and] we believe [the crossing] will be a welcome improvement for [those] who regularly walk between the halls of residence and campus,” they said.

Riccarton Councillor Tyla Harrison-Hunt said this has been a “longstanding issue” of around three years considering the heavy pedestrian traffic throughout the day.

Riccarton Councillor Tyla Harrison-Hunt said the zebra crossing is intended to “ease the crossing point” for pedestrians and cyclists. PHOTO: Supplied.

“There have been near misses, some minor incidents reported and continual pinch points in that spot,” he said.

A 2022 Stantec pedestrian survey highlighted that more than 200 pedestrians crossed Ilam Road near Homestead Lane during peak hours, lunch time, and between 3pm and 4pm on weekdays.

One University of Canterbury student said, “a lot of the time we’re standing over there waiting for a while, then cars have to either slow down to let us through or we just gap it.”

Another student said, “we go the other way because there’s a crossing,” and added it can be “dodgy” when there’s a bus at the stop because they “can’t see around the corner.”

According to The Press, there were 2800 rooms offered in the halls of residence for 2026. The new hall, Tupuārangi, added 283 beds, increasing the foot traffic crossing Ilam Road.

The University of Canterbury Students’ Association President Tumaru Mataio said the association had been advocating for safer crossings for the large number of students who cross Ilam Road as the current crossings are “not fit for purpose.”

“There are crossings further up Ilam Road on either side, but these do not capture the major natural walkway,” she said. “The biggest win here for students is that the obvious walkway from Halls to campus is going to be fit for purpose and safe”.

The timeline for the crossing will be confirmed following the Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board meeting in July, and Harrison-Hunt said they expect it to be “delivered this year.”

Disruption during construction is expected to be minimal.