Project Details

Christchurch Southern Motorway
SH73
South of the Christchurch City Centre, connecting Brougham Street in the east with Halswell Junction Road in the west.


Purpose:

To improve access between the south-west and the CBD of Christchurch City and to the Port of Lyttelton and to improve traffic efficiency and safety.

Christchurch Southern Motorway Designation and Resource Consent Applications(including plans and technical reports)"
EstimatedCost: $150M*
Start Date: March 2010
End Date: 2014
Location: South of the Christchurch City Centre, connecting Brougham Street in the east with Halswell Junction Road in the west.

Engineering Features: The project is in three distinct sections including:
  • Duplication section between Collins Street and the Curletts Road interchange. This section includes the duplication of the existing two lanes to form a four-lane median separated motorway, with full interchange access at both Barrington Street and Curletts Road.
  • Greenfield section between the Curletts Road interchange and the intersection of Halswell Junction and Springs Roads. This section involves the construction of a new four-lane median separated motorway, with underpasses at Nash Road and Awatea/Dunbars Roads (local road going over the motorway).
  • Upgrade section following Halswell Junction Road between Springs Road and Main South Road. This section involves the upgrading of the existing two-lane road, with the inclusion of a flush median and the installation of traffic signals at the Shands Road and Main South Road intersections.

Environment Features: The proposed motorway crosses a number of old landfill sites as well as the recharge zone for the groundwater aquifers used for Christchurch's water supply. Given the significance of protecting the groundwater aquifers, detailed assessment and care will need to be taken in developing and managing the project. The route of the motorway also bisects the key growth area in the south west of Christchurch. Transit is working closely with Christchurch City Council to ensure that the motorway and associated local road improvements will integrate with the land use pattern emerging through the South West Area Plan.

Other: * $140M New Zealand Transport Agency, $10M Christchurch City Council

For more information please email or contact

Geoff Griffiths
Project Manager
New Zealand Transport Agency
Telephone (03) 366 4455

Darryl Millar
Project Consultant
(for New Zealand Transport Agency)
Telephone (03) 962 1740

Simon Robertson
Project Consultant
(for New Zealand Transport Agency)
Telephone (03) 363 5400
More Information: CSM@transit.govt.nz
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