Shipping containers that have lined the main road to the Christchurch suburb of Sumner for the last five years are on their way out.
Shipping containers, which have been in place to protect road users since the February 2011 earthquakes, are being removed from the Christchurch suburb of Sumner. Photo: RNZ / Rachel Graham
Removal of the containers started yesterday and will be completed by Monday of next week, the Christchurch City Council said.
The shipping containers were put in place after the February 2011 earthquakes to protect people on the road from the unstable slope behind.
Substantial remediation work has been completed at Peacocks Gallop and on Deans Head.
Christchurch City Council city services manager David Adamson said having the containers gone would be hugely important to the local community.
"The containers have had an important role as a temporary safety measure," said Mr Adamson, "and looked great adorned with art work for a time.
"It's fantastic to see this work completed early so that the Sumner community, and all the people who visit the beach, aren't constantly faced with this very visible reminder of the earthquakes."
Once the containers are gone, temporary fences will be put in place to prevent people accessing the areas until permanent security fences are installed next year.