Christchurch's newest motorway is open for use today and should cut down traffic volumes.
The Christchurch Northern Corridor during construction in July 2020. Photo: Supplied / NZTA
After four years in the making, the $290 million Northern Corridor motorway is officially useable to drivers, cyclists and walkers on the shared path.
Drivers should take care getting used to the new route, Transport Agency director of regional relationships Jim Harland said.
The Northern Corridor connects central Christchurch to State Highway 1 and the Waimakariri District.
The permanent speed limit on the Christchurch Northern Corridor will be 100km/h between the Waimakariri River and QEII Drive.
It will reduce to 80km/h at the interchange with QEII Drive. The speed limit on QEII Drive will remain 80km/h.
The speed limit through the Cranford basin section will reduce from 80km/h to 50km/h. The speed limit will not change on the Cranford Street section of the project, which is 50km/h.
It bypasses the residential suburbs of Belfast, Northwood and Redwood, which will help ease congestion on Main North Road.
The motorway also has T2 lanes and connects with Park and Ride facilities in both Kaiapoi and Rangiora. These will have direct bus services to and from the Christchurch CBD, making it easier for commuters to carpool or take the bus.