Christchurch City Council Media Release 1 April 2009
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Road closure as City Mall works progress

Colombo Street will be closed between Hereford and Lichfield streets over Easter 2009 to allow tram tracks to be laid along Cashel Street where it crosses Colombo Street.

The road closure will come into effect from 7pm on Thursday, 9 April and last until 5.30am on Tuesday, 14 April.

Tram tracks are being laid along Cashel Street as part of Project City Mall. Project Director Sean Whitaker says closing Colombo Street between Hereford and Lichfield streets over a four-day period is the most efficient method of work.

“The alternative would be to keep one lane of traffic open at all times while work was carried out over several weeks, still causing disruption to road users, bus passengers and retailers over a longer period of time.

“The work will be carried out over the Easter holiday weekend to lessen the impact on the public and traffic,” he says.

The construction crew will work two shifts a day during the closure to ensure the work is completed on time.

The Easter road closure will include the temporary relocation of bus stops one block south, to both sides of Colombo Street between Lichfield and Tuam streets. All parking will be removed from this area to make way for the temporary stops for the duration of the road closure. Bus routes that would normally travel through the closed section of Colombo Street will be diverted along Lichfield, Manchester, Hereford and Durham streets.

“A full traffic management plan is being prepared to limit disruption and ensure safety on the surrounding roads,” Mr Whitaker says.

ENDS

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