Limited cordons to remain in central Christchurch overnight

Cordons have been lifted from a number of central Christchurch streets and only a limited number of road closures will remain in place overnight.

Cordons were put in place after a number of central city buildings were damaged by a major aftershock at 10.30am today [Sunday].

Closures on Lichfield St and Colombo St have now been lifted, while Hereford St between Oxford Tce and Colombo St will re-open to traffic before midnight.

Closures will remain in place overnight in the following locations:

• Cashel St (City Mall) from Oxford Tce to Colombo St
• Gloucester St from Manchester St to Latimer Square
• Manchester St from Worcester St to Gloucester St
• Manchester St from Hereford St to Cashel St (existing closure from previous damage)
• Tramway Lane

A number of individual buildings which have suffered damage will remain fenced off.

Inspector Derek Erasmus said the overnight cordons would help ensure public safety until further building assessments can be carried out tomorrow.

"We need to maintain cordons in these locations because of the potential risk to safety from damaged buildings, including falling masonry and brickwork, and damaged windows," he said.

"These cordons will be assessed again tomorrow and we hope that we can further reduce the extent of the road closures.

"We want to cause the least disruption possible so that activity in the city can return to normal."

Inspector Erasmus said additional Police staff and dog handlers would be patrolling the central city overnight to maintain the cordons and to monitor building security.

ENDS

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