Lyttelton Tunnel to re-open for local residents by mid-afternoon today

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is working to re-open the Lyttelton tunnel to local traffic by mid-afternoon today (Saturday 26 February).

“We’re working towards having both lanes of the tunnel open for use by Lyttelton residents and essential services this afternoon,” said Pete Connors, NZTA’s Networks Operations Manager for Canterbury

Mr Connors said it was important that only Lyttelton residents used the tunnel as emergency and essential services were relying on priority access to the tunnel for access to Lyttelton. Mr Connors said significant delays can also be expected as the tunnel would be periodically closed in order to allow for the safe passage of fuel tankers.

Alternate access to Lyttelton is available for private vehicles via the Dyers Rd pass. Mr Connors said while the agency understood that residents were anxious to have access through the tunnel, it was important for the agency to address the risk from ongoing rockfalls on the tunnel approaches.

The Lyttelton tunnel was closed immediately following Tuesday’s earthquake, as rockfalls caused significant damage to the tunnel canopy and to the tunnel control building. The canopy has been demolished and the tunnel control building has been deemed unsafe to occupy. The tunnel’s electrical systems and exhaust fans are currently operating on back-up generators.

Mr Connors said the agency was also working hard to re-open a section of SH74 (ANZAC Drive from Travis Rd to Metro Pl), but surface flooding and liquefaction were slowing progress, and it was now expected that this section of state highway would remain closed for use be general traffic for at least another week. The agency would work to restore access to the highway for use by essential services as its first priority.

A ll state highways and state highway bridge structures in and around the city have been inspected, and while some have sustained damage all of the bridge structures are safe, and all other state highways in the region are open. Mr Connors urged motorists to abide by temporary speed restrictions in place on many parts of the network.

Information on earthquake damage to state highways in Canterbury will be regularly updated on www.highwayinfo.govt.nz or is available by phoning 0800 44 44 49.