Expressway closer as new bridge nears completion

The new bridge over the Avon will have caissons specially designed to resist seismic forces and cycle-pedestrian ways partly built below the tide level.

The $16 million Woolston-Burwood Expressway will take a step forward in August when the newest bridge over the River Avon and the second stage of the road is officially opened.

When the Expressway is finished it will complete the last in Christchurch’s ring road system.

This had beginnings in the 1960s with the production of the city’s Master Transportation Plan.

The final link will be the main north route for heavy traffic to and from the port of Lyttelton.

The Expressway is being built as a joint City Council-Transit NZ project, with the Council responsible for professional services, design, project management and contract supervision.

One section - Anzac Drive - is already operating from Travis Road to New Brighton Road.

The new bridge connects with a roundabout at New Brighton Road.

Construction of the bridge is running parallel with the completion of the road works that include the roundabout and the section of roadway from Wainoni Road to the bridge.

The next stage from Eureka Street to Birch Street is now being designed and will be built next year.

The new bridge has many unusual characteristics.

It has been designed to meet earth liquefaction problems and has special pier frames to enhance its appearance.

It will have caissons specially designed to resist seismic forces and cycle-pedestrian ways partly built below the tide level.

The four-lane bridge, in three spans, is 50m long and 20m wide.

Eventually the Expressway will be handed over to Transit NZ as a state highway.