A new pedestrian and cycle bridge over Christchurch’s Brougham Street is expected to open in November, with contractor Downer appointed to deliver the next stage of the major roading upgrade.

Work on the second and final stage of the State Highway 76 project is expected to begin in early 2027, with the full upgrade due for completion by mid-2029.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop said Brougham Street was one of Christchurch’s busiest streets and the main freight route to Lyttelton Port.

“Congestion and delays have long been an issue, and with several schools and a retirement home close by, there have also been community concerns about safety.”

The new bridge is in place between Collins and Simeon streets. It is intended to provide a safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists while reducing traffic stoppages on the highway.

The NZ Transport Agency expects the bridge to be completed and open to the public in November, with landscaping and finishing work nearby continuing until early 2027.

Planning for the second stage is now underway following Downer’s appointment.

The work will include upgraded intersections, improved traffic signals, new signalised crossings and T2 lanes for vehicles carrying two or more people. Walking and cycling improvements will include a shared path along the southern side of Brougham Street.

Bishop said the NZ Transport Agency would coordinate with Christchurch City Council, which needed to carry out maintenance on underground services beneath the highway.

“The organisations will work together to sequence roadworks, avoid digging up the same part of the street unnecessarily, and to minimise the impacts on all road users.”

The upgrade is designated as one of the Government’s Roads of Regional Significance.

Cabinet confirmed funding from a contingency set aside in Budget 2024 to bring forward priority transport projects that would otherwise have been phased to begin from 2027 onwards.