Forget Route 66, this is Canterbury Highway 2000!

Canterbury Highway 2000 is a series of improvements along selected stretches of State Highway 1 from Kaikoura to Waimate.

It was launched on 22 September with a ceremonial dig and inaugural planting at Ealing, south of Ashburton, where the first work is being done. Mayors and representatives of Christchurch City Council and the height district councils participating in the project attended.

The prime objective of Canterbury Highway 2000 is to enhance the experience of travelling the highway by making the surroundings of the road safer, more beautiful and interesting. The work will vary from clearing neglected plants to open up views of the mountains, to creating formal avenues of large trees.

At least one major scheme each is being undertaken by Christchurch, Kaikoura, Waimate, Ashburton, Selwyn, Waimakariri, Hurunui and Timaru councils.

A Turning Point 2000 project, which has received significant funding from The Community Trust, Canterbury Highway 2000 will be a lasting commemoration of the new millennium through out the region.

Preliminary construction work will begin this summer with planting scheduled for April next year.

The project will be developed and expanded over several years.