City’s new arched gateway opens
Christchurch’s new Russley Rd arches got an overwhelmingly positive response from the public during an open day on Saturday.
The bridge is part of the NZ Transport Agency’s (NZTA) Christchurch Western Corridor programme, a $300 million to $350m project that involves upgrading the section of highway between Belfast and Hornby to two lanes in each direction.
Towering over it are the Warren and Mahoney-designed, 27 metre-tall arches which symbolise the crossing of paths, the Southern Alps, the braided rivers of the Canterbury Plains and the excitement of travel.
NZTA project manager Chris Collins said the project opened ahead of time and under budget.
Christchurch woman Maggie O’Grady said the arches made her ‘‘excited about Christchurch getting back on the map’’.
‘‘I’ve always wanted, because we’ve grown up here, something for international visitors as well.
‘‘As soon as they come in you’ve got ‘oh, we’re coming into Christchurch’,’’ O’Grady said.
Paula Couper called the arches a ‘‘landmark’’ for the city. ‘‘You can see it from miles away,’’ she said.
Gavin James said they were ‘‘really amazing’’.
‘‘It’s got meaning and it’s simple and it’s elegant – it’s great. It’s a good landmark for Christchurch and it makes a real statement when people are coming in [from the airport],’’ James said.
David Dowling, who moved to Christchurch from Scotland post-earthquake, said he never thought he would be so impressed by a road opening.