Latest update: 09/03/2017

First stage of Durham Street back to two lanes

March 2017

Durham Street between Kilmore Street and Worcester Boulevard has today returned to two lanes with the bulk of the road works on this portion of the An Accessible Project now complete.

Work paving the shared pedestrian and cycleway along the riverside will soon begin and trees and plantings will progressively be added. 

Ōtākaro Limited Chief Executive Albert Brantley says it is good to see progress being made.

“We thank businesses along this section of Durham Street for their patience while this work was carried out. I encourage people to keep making the effort to support central city businesses while roadworks continue south of Worcester Boulevard,” says Mr Brantley.

Ōtākaro was aiming to return Durham Street from Worcester Boulevard to Tuam Street to two lanes around April 2017 but it is likely delays on other projects along the road corridor will have an impact on this.

Like the northern section of Durham Street, new storm water pipes and cables will be installed under the road, build-outs will be constructed to narrow the road as part of the slower speed core area, and the street lighting and traffic signals will be upgraded. The paved shared pathway will also continue along the riverside.

This stage of An Accessible City is being delivered by Downer for Ōtākaro in partnership with Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury, Ngāi Tahu and the NZ Transport Agency. The partners have also worked with the Christchurch Transport Operations Centre on the plan to enhance Durham Street. 

“This is a small but significant step forward for the Central City travel network,” says Christchurch City Council Transport Operations Manager Aaron Haymes. “It has been challenging to get around the city with this work taking place but the expected reopening of both lanes of Durham Street in a few months will certainly contribute to improved access.”

The westbound lane of Cashel Street has also been reinstated this week.