14 January 2013

NZ Transport Agency - Southern Region

Next Stage Of Western Corridor Gets Underway

Work has begun today (Monday 14 January) on the next stage of four-laning Johns Road as part of the Western Corridor improvements.

The Western Corridor (SH1) is one of the roading projects that make up Christchurch’s Roads of National Significance (RoNS) programme designed to reduce traffic congestion and provide motorists with safer, more efficient and reliable routes.

The New Zealand Transport Agency’s Acting Christchurch State Highway Manager Colin Mackay says the four laning of Johns Road, from Harewood Road to Sawyers Arms Road, will take about a year to complete, the work being carried out in two stages.

“The work involves building new lanes, a centre island and installing a central wire barrier safety fence, as well as new lighting, road marking and minor underground pipe works.”

He says stage one of the project will involve completing work in the north-western lane of Johns Road, working from Harewood Road through to Sawyers Arms Road. This stage is expected to be completed by the end of May.

Stage two will be on the opposite side of the road in the south-eastern lane, beginning at Sawyers Arms Road and working south towards Harewood Road.

Mr Mackay says all the work is scheduled to be completed by early February 2014.

“Throughout the contract the contractor will maintain two-way traffic along Johns Road, generally working six days a week.

“Some work may need to be done overnight or on Sundays to minimise traffic delays, however, local residents will be kept well-informed of the need for any night or Sunday work.”

He says once work is completed on stage one, traffic will no longer be able to turn right into or out of McLeans Island Road. “Vehicles wanting to turn right from McLeans Island Road into Johns Road will need to turn left at Logistics Drive and right into Sawyers Arms Road, while vehicles wanting to turn right from Johns Road into McLeans Island Road will need to use Sawyers Arms Road to turn left into Logistics Drive and then right into McLeans Island Road.

“Increasing traffic volumes on Johns Road have made right-hand turns at this intersection dangerous. This work will greatly improve safety for all motorists using the road.”

Meanwhile, work is progressing well on the four-laning of Carmen and Masham roads. “We are now nine months into this two-year contract and work remains on schedule.”

Mr Mackay says there are still nine months to run on the contract for the four-laning of Russley Road from Yaldhurst Road through to Avonhead Road, which is also on schedule.

Work on the next section of the Western Corridor (SH1), four-laning from The Groynes to Sawyers Arms Road, is expected to begin in 2014, with the final stage of four-laning from Avonhead Road through to Harewood Road, the construction of the gateway bridge at the intersection of Memorial Avenue and Russley Road and the new Southern Airport Access south of Avonhead Road, is expected to begin in 2015 and take three years to complete.

Editor’s notes
The Government has identified seven essential state highway projects linked to New Zealand’s economic prosperity. Called the roads of national significance, or RoNS for short, the NZTA is charged with delivering this programme of state highway improvements within the next 10 years. The RoNS programme represents one of New Zealand’s biggest ever infrastructure investments and is a key part of the Government’s National Infrastructure Plan and Government’s Policy Statement for transport.
The seven RoNS projects are based around New Zealand's five largest population centres. The focus is on moving people and freight between and within these centres more safely and efficiently. Other RoNS may be added in future but currently from north to south the seven projects are: Puhoi to Wellsford - SH1, Completing the Western Ring Route, Auckland - SH16, SH18 and SH20, Victoria Park Tunnel, Auckland - SH1, Waikato Expressway - SH1, Tauranga Eastern Link - SH2, Wellington Northern Corridor - SH1, Christchurch Motorways. More information is available at www.nzta.govt.nz/rons
For the latest Christchurch on Christchurch road conditions go to: www.transportforchristchurch.govt.nz

Find the latest transport news, information, and advice on our website:
www.nzta.govt.nz

ENDS

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