Last section of state highway open in Christchurch

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) says the last remaining section of state highway in Christchurch closed after last week’s earthquake has now re-opened.

NZTA Networks Operations Manager for Canterbury Pete Connors said contractors have been working hard for the past week to re-open the section of SH74 from Breezes Road/Bridge Street to Wainoni Rd, and while surface flooding and liquefaction had slowed progress, the highway was re-opened to traffic at 4pm today.

Mr Connors said while all state highway structures in the region had been assessed and were safe for use, detailed inspections had shown that the Anzac Bridge over the Avon River and the Horatane Valley overpasses on the approach road to the Lyttelton tunnel have suffered some damage and are not suitable for use by some heavy trucks operating under overweight permits. He said all commercial operators seeking to move overweight loads in the area should be aware that there are additional restrictions on these bridges and should ring 027 353 5383 for further information.

Mr Connors thanked people for their patience while the repairs were carried out, and he urged motorists to abide by temporary speed restrictions in place on many parts of the state highway network, in order to ensure their own safety and the safety of road workers and nearby residents.

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.

© Scoop Media