The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has approved $38.5 million in funding to replace the earthquake-damaged Pages Road bridge in Christchurch.
Minister for the South Island and Associate Transport Minister, James Meager said he was pleased to see the business case for the $75.4 million Pages Road bridge renewal project and approved co-funding from the National Land Transport Fund.
“Carrying more than 13,000 vehicles per day, the nearly 100-year-old bridge is approaching the end of its life. As the main point of access between the New Brighton and Southshore communities, and the rest of Christchurch, there has been increasing urgency to replace it,” Mr Meager says.
The bridge was last strengthened in 2015 to extend its lifespan. As a critical evacuation route, the importance of the Pages Road bridge renewal project was recognised by this Government with its inclusion in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme. It is currently the highest priority capital improvement project for Christchurch City Council, but until now had no taxpayer funding allocated to it.
“The existing roads either side of the Pages Road bridge are also prone to flooding and erosion. This funding will also allow these roads to be raised and upgraded at the same time as the bridge replacement work,” Mr Meager says.
“With the business case and co-funding now approved, Christchurch City Council expects the project to move into construction once consenting is completed.
“I know how important this project is to the people of New Brighton, Southshore, and greater Christchurch, and I want to thank them for their continued advocacy to get this major infrastructure project across the line.
“It’s promising to see progress being made, and I look forward to seeing shovels in the ground as soon as possible.”
Christchurch Mayor, Phil Mauger said the funding confirmation was great news after years of waiting.
“The Pages Road bridge is the crucial link between New Brighton and the city. Short-term temporary repairs have kept it operational since it was damaged in the earthquakes but it is time for a more resilient replacement, and we are happy that the government has come on board to help make this happen for the city,” he said.
“This has been a key transport priority for the city given its strategic location as the main route across the Ōtākaro-Avon River into New Brighton. The new bridge and road will be more resilient to future earthquakes and the effects of climate change, and provide peace of mind for those who live, work and go to school in the eastern part of the city.”
Detailed design work will start next year, with construction anticipated to begin in 2028. The new bridge and traffic lights will be slightly north of the current position, so the existing bridge can be used while construction is underway, the Council confirmed.
