Christchurch City Council has announced the start of spring roading upgrades across the central city, with residents and commuters told to prepare for disruptions.

The work targets the junctions of Moorhouse Avenue with Gasson Street and Madras Street, starting this Sunday, as well as Moorhouse Avenue with Barbadoes Street and Waltham Road.

New pedestrian crossings will be installed to improve safety in this bustling zone, particularly for those accessing the new stadium set to open next April.

Approved by the Council in June following community consultations in April, the Moorhouse Avenue project is expected to last about four weeks.

In late October, temporary fences surrounding One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha will be removed to integrate the grounds with the adjacent neighbourhood. This includes connecting footpaths and finalising the precinct, with temporary barriers on Madras, Tuam, and Barbadoes Streets during asphalt laying and installation of street furniture, bike stands, and a bus shelter.

Lane closures will ensure worker safety, with completion anticipated by mid-December, after which fences will shift to the stadium boundary until its April 2026 opening.

Additional works in the South-East Central area include paving stone repairs on High Street from October 6-19, night works at the Manchester and Lichfield Street intersection from October 12-15 for new traffic lights and signage, geotechnical investigations on Fitzgerald Avenue in November, and night resurfacing on Manchester Street between Lichfield and Tuam Streets also in November.

City Infrastructure General Manager Brent Smith highlighted potential delays, especially in the South-East Central area, over the coming months as multiple projects unfold.

“With these projects and others scheduled before Christmas, we’re giving a heads up about disruptions. Roadworks can be challenging, but we’re collaborating with contractors to complete everything as quickly as possible.”