Christchurch Highway Upgrade Opens Ahead of Schedule

Construction began in 2024 and included a range of improvements designed to support future population growth and make travel safer and more reliable.

A major transport upgrade on State Highway 75 through Christchurch's southwest has been completed months ahead of schedule, delivering improved travel options and reduced disruption for residents and commuters. Transport Minister Chris Bishop and South Island Minister James Meager confirmed the project on Halswell Road between Curletts Road and Dunbars Road has been finished well before its original October 2026 completion target.

The upgrade forms part of the Government's Roads of Regional Significance programme to improve transport connections in one of Christchurch's fastest-growing areas. Bishop said the early completion means fewer months of construction-related disruption for people who use the route regularly, while providing long-term benefits for public transport users, cyclists, pedestrians and motorists.

New bus lanes, cycleways and crossings boost travel options

Construction began in 2024 and included a range of improvements designed to support future population growth and make travel safer and more reliable. The project features priority bus lanes intended to improve public transport reliability, shared pathways on both sides of the road and a dedicated two-way cycle path along the northern side of the corridor. New signalised intersections and pedestrian crossings have also been installed to improve safety for people walking, cycling and using scooters.

Despite encountering difficult underground conditions linked to Christchurch's post-earthquake environment, NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) contractors were able to complete the work significantly earlier than expected. The improvements are expected to ease pressure on the transport network while encouraging greater use of public and active transport options.

Upgrade supports wider transport investment across Canterbury

Meager said the completed project is an important investment for a rapidly expanding part of Christchurch where housing development continues to grow. NZTA has worked alongside Christchurch City Council, which is delivering peak-hour bus lanes on Lincoln Road. Once completed, the Lincoln Road improvements will connect directly with the upgraded Halswell Road corridor, creating a longer route dedicated to improving public transport efficiency. The completion of the project comes during a period of significant transport investment across Canterbury and the wider South Island.

Recent announcements include a more than $150 million roading resilience package aimed at strengthening key state highways, the start of work on the second Ashburton Bridge and ongoing upgrades along State Highway 76 on Brougham Street. The Government has also committed $38.5 million in co-funding toward the replacement of Pages Road Bridge, a project being delivered by Christchurch City Council.

Ministers say these projects form part of a broader effort to improve transport infrastructure, strengthen network resilience and support future growth across the region.