National MP Aaron Gilmore is delighted that work on the Christchurch Southern Motorway stage one extension has started four months ahead of schedule thanks to the concerted efforts of the Government and the NZ Transport Agency. This is the first step in a major $730 million upgrade to the highway system to the Christchurch Southern Motorway stage one extension leading into and around Christchurch.

“The development of this project is excellent news,” says Mr Gilmore.

“This project will promote economic growth and improve safety by developing better access to the Christchurch CBD and Lyttelton Port and bypassing Templeton and the industrial areas around Hornby.

“Such investment in key Christchurch roads will really help stimulate Canterbury’s economic wellbeing.”

In addition, the Government has included other projects in the package including further stages of the Southern Motorway, the Northern Motorway extension, and the Western corridor.

“In particular, the Northern Motorway project from Belfast to Mairehau will reduce congestion in roads such as Marshland Road and give local residents better access,” says Mr Gilmore.

“As a result of the Government’s highway funding, Christchurch people will now see real progress on their highway development plan. Christchurch is undeniably the transport gateway for business and tourism for the whole South Island, with New Zealand’s second largest airport and second busiest exporting port. Improving the access to the city and its air and sea ports will help achieve the step-change in economic growth that this area needs.”