22 August 2011

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is expecting a good turnout for community open days it is holding this week for people to find out more about the second stage of the Christchurch Southern Motorway (CSM2) project and the four-laning of Main South Road.

Earlier this month the NZTA announced its preferred route for CSM2. Most of the selected alignment is within the corridor outlined during consultation carried out last year and between the two route options that were presented at the time.

The Christchurch Southern Motorway is one of seven Roads of National Significance (RoNS), identified by the Government as vital to enabling economic growth in New Zealand by moving people and freight between and within major population centres more safely and efficiently.

NZ Transport Agency Regional State Highways Manager Colin Knaggs says the open days are an opportunity for local residents to find out more about these two projects, talk to those involved in them and provide feedback.

“The open days have been scheduled to give as many people as possible a chance to attend. That’s why we’ve spread the open days over four days including holding one in the early evening.

Mr Knaggs said when completed the Christchurch Southern Motorway would provide a transport solution vital to the city’s recovery and economic growth as well as improving access from the south of Christchurch to Lyttelton Port and the Christchurch City Centre. It would also make travel safer for motorists in the city, both on the motorway itself and by removing traffic from local roads as well as reducing the number of vehicles and SH1 through the Templeton and Hornby areas.

The open days are being held on
• Wednesday 24 August - 5.30pm - 9.00pm, Prebbleton Hall, 617 Springs Road
• Friday 26 August - 10am - 2pm, Prebbleton Hall, 617 Springs Road
• Saturday 27 August - 10am - 2pm, Rolleston Community Centre, 94 Rolleston Drive

ENDS

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