The Christchurch Northern Corridor new motorway from Cranford St to near the Waimakariri River Bridge/ SH1 will be open
to traffic from Monday, 30 November for an initial period of two weeks.
“This is an opportunity for people to have an early look at the new motorway and try it out at lower speeds in off-peak
hours,” says Colin MacKay, Portfolio Manager, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
“The slower traffic speeds will ensure the chip seal surface hardens just before the motorway will be fully open to all
traffic, all four lanes, from Thursday 17 December.”
From Monday 30 November to Friday 11 December one traffic lane in each direction will be open.Northbound traffic, leaving Christchurch, can choose the CNC as an option between 7am and 4pm.Southbound traffic, coming into the city, can be on the CNC between 10am and 6pm.
People can access the new motorway from SH1, Belfast Road (southbound/ into the city only), QEII Drive or Cranford
Street. The Winters Road on and off-ramp will be open as well.
Due to the loose gravel, a temporary 50km/h speed limit will be in place. Depending on the road condition this may be
increased to 70km/h. If this is the case, it will be well signposted.
More work will be occurring during the evening hours after the motorway closes for the day during this two-week period,
to ensure everything is ready for the full opening on Thursday 17 December.Open day/afternoon - Saturday, 12 December – for cyclists, scooter-riders and walkers
Cyclists, skaters, scooter riders and pedestrians will be provided with a once in a lifetime opportunity on Saturday 12
December when the CNC is closed to vehicle traffic but open for walking and biking. The open day is from 2pm to 6pm and
the invitation has gone out to local residents north and south of the Waimakariri Bridge.The Countdown30 November – 11 December
One lane in each direction open during the day, just motorway traffic, no cyclists and pedestrians allowed on the
motorway. Shared use path remains closed.Saturday afternoon, 12 December
Public Open Day: 2pm to 6pm, no vehicle traffic on the motorway. Walking and biking on the motorway and shared use path.
3pm celebration: Official recognition of the completion of this four-year project with representatives of Waimakariri
and Christchurch councils, Waka Kotahi, CNC Alliance partners Fulton Hogan, Aurecon and Jacobs and other key partners.Tuesday, 15 December
Photo opportunity for media and invited guests to witness turning on the LED lights on the local road bridges. Please
let us know if your photographer wants to receive an invite.Thursday, 17 December
Motorway and shared use path fully open to all traffic.Latest newsletter with photos and maps: https://createsend.com/t/t-A9DCE968FE315F302540EF23F30FEDEDBackground on this project: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/christchurch-motorways/christchurch-northern-corridor/Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:
· Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/trafficFacebook: facebook.com/NZTAsouthislandTwitter Canterbury/West Coast: twitter.com/WakaKotahiCWCJourney planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nzPhone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)