News that construction will begin next year on the $176 million Christchurch Southern Motorway extension has been welcomed by Christchurch-based National List MP Aaron Gilmore.

The announcement is part of $8.7 billion of investments in New Zealand’s transport system unveiled in the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).

“This substantial investment in key Christchurch roads will help stimulate Canterbury’s economic wellbeing,” Aaron Gilmore says.

The NLTP provides $636.2 million for Canterbury over the 2009/10–2011/12 period.

Work on the Southern Motorway starts next March.

Christchurch’s motorway projects are classified as roads of national significance because of their contribution to the region’s economic wellbeing.

The funding will enable:

  • An upgraded western corridor to connect the northern and southern regions of Canterbury with Christchurch International airport.
  • Start on stage 1 of the Southern Motorway, and in the next three years investigations into stage 2, from Halswell Junction Road to State Highway 1 near Templeton.
  • Work on various stages of other roads of national significance in the next five to 10 years. These roads include the Northern Arterial and the four-laning of State Highway 1 from Sawyers Arms Rd to Belfast.

“This investment comes at a time when Christchurch needs it the most. This funding will help reduce congestion and enhance safety, and will go a long way to supporting local jobs and boosting economic growth in our region,” Mr Gilmore says.

Work is also to begin on improving the Travis Rd/Burwood Rd/QE2 Dr Intersection and upgrading the Marshland Rd/QE2 Dr Intersection.

The NLTP also provides funding for the investigation and design of the Western Belfast Bypass, the Christchurch Northern Arterial Rural & Cycleway, and the Northern Arterial to Hills Rd Extension.

“This sustained boost to investment reflects the importance of transport to our economic prospects.

“This targeted investment will deliver real gains both in the short term – as we move out of recession – and in the longer term, by boosting the productivity we need to support prolonged economic growth in Canterbury.”