Work on southern motorway – expect peak delays

Christchurch motorists are advised to be aware of road closures and scheduled works as people return to the city after the festive break.

About 34 road closures and 360 individual maintenance projects are expected to either be under way or due to start across the city today.

But Simon Harty, manager of Christchurch Transport

Operations Centre, said several projects were intentionally scheduled during the early weeks of January before traffic volumes returned to normal levels, to reduce the impact on travellers.

He said work on Christchurch Southern Motorway stage two in the south of the city was ‘‘likely to have a moderate impact on traffic’’.

‘‘The project is continuing various construction works and in addition to this are other works to reconstruct Shands Rd

and safety improvements under way in Halswell Rd,’’ Harty said.

‘‘The temporary restrictions and closures in this southern sector of the city over the next few weeks will have the most

impact on normal travel within the city,’’ Harty said. ‘‘Impacts will be concentrated around the Halswell Junction Rd and Springs Rd area and the evening peak period is the one to watch out for.’’ He said commuters were encouraged to consider their travel route options, times of travel and necessity to travel through this area.

Other works taking place this week will be the ongoing Riccarton Rd works and projects in the northern sector of the city.

‘‘The Christchurch Northern Corridor is progressing on various work fronts, there is work scheduled for QEII Drive, and bus lane construction is under way in Main North Rd near Northlands mall,’’ he said.