More roadworks headaches
Three busy central city intersections will be closed and dug out, half an intersection at a time, over the next six weekends.
The intersections of Tuam St at Montreal and Durham streets will be repaired alongside the intersection of Antigua St and St Asaph St throughout February and March.
O¯ ta¯ karo Limited chief executive Albert Brantley said taking advantage of the warm nights and doing the work over weekends with fast-setting asphalt would reduce the impact it had on traffic. ‘‘We are working on weekends to minimise disruptions. If it was done during normal working hours each section would take two to three weeks to complete. This way daily commuters will be unaffected.’’
The north side of the Montreal and Tuam streets intersection will be rebuilt first, between 8pm tomorrow and 6am on Monday.
The southern side will be done the following weekend.
‘‘These well-used intersections need replacing. We’re completely digging them out and rebuilding them to make them stronger and to extend their lifespan,’’ Brantley said.
Central City Business Association manager Paul Lonsdale said the repairs should have minimal impact on CBD traffic. ‘‘Everybody is tired of roadworks in Christchurch, but the reality is the work has to be done. ‘‘The CBD is still quite easy to access if you know the right route to take.’’
Brantley encouraged people to check the NZ Transport Agency’s Christchurch journey planner website to find the best way to the city before travelling to the CBD.
Sections of the roads would remain rougher than usual until April or May when the final surface could be laid.
The roadworks would future proof the intersections by enhancing drainage systems under the roads and making them better for the environment, he said.
People are asked to avoid unnecessary travel through the city while the work is happening and to use the four avenues instead. ‘‘We appreciate everyone’s patience and please keep supporting central city businesses throughout these works,’’ Brantley said.