Christchurch's Main North Road four-laning to go ahead

The four-laning of Christchurch's Main North Road is to go ahead with funding approval by Transfund New Zealand last week.

Chairperson David Stubbs says the project was approved because it meant a major bottleneck in the city would be eliminated and there would be substantial time savings for motorists due to reduced traffic congestion.

The project will mean a four-lane continuous highway from the city centre to the north. It will cost $12.9 million.

Transit New Zealand regional manager Robin Odams says the call has gone out for tenders for the project.

It includes a new two-lane Styx Mill overbridge parallel to the existing bridge, with the existing bridge to be widened, and full pedestrian and cycle facilities over both bridges.