Christchurch opens more lanes on new motorway

Crews on Christchurch’s Western Belfast Bypass prepare to open more lanes of the new road this month. The five-kilometre highway is a new four lane stretch of road extending the Christchurch Northern Motorway between Belfast and Johns Rd. Traffic is slowly being allowed onto the new bypass after an open day on October 29 where around 10,000 walkers, cyclists and runners took to the road. NZTA said that the bypass being opened in stages allows the project team to complete the final parts of the road, including connecting the bypass to the existing road network and carrying out surfacing work on the on and off ramps. “There are speed restrictions in place in the area, however it is important that all road users play their part and stay focused to keep everyone safe” says Transport Agency Principal Project Manager, Geoff Griffiths.  All lanes of the bypass are expected to open to traffic by November 17 (Show Weekend), but the final low-noise asphalt surfacing work will not happen until spring 2018.