The new Christchurch Northern Corridor and stage two of the Christchurch Southern Motorway, the final two projects to be built under the government’s roads of national significance programme, are a step closer to taking place.
This follows the awarding of construction contracts at a combined cost of $435 million for commencement in October, says transport minister Simon Bridges.
“These are critical for improving travel times for commuters, and to support growth and development in Christchurch,” he adds.
Once the second stage is built, the Southern Motorway will have double the existing traffic capacity, providing better access between Christchurch and Rolleston.
Combined with the new Western Belfast Bypass (SH1), which is due to open early 2018, the Christchurch Northern Corridor will provide better and more predictable travel times in and out of Christchurch and along the existing routes – Main North Rd and Marshland Rd.
“As home to New Zealand’s second largest airport and second busiest export port, Christchurch plays a critical role in the economic development of the whole South Island,” Bridges concludes. “It is the transport gateway for tourism and business, making access to the city, its freight hubs and export markets critical for the economic success of the whole country.”
