Cost to build new road link in west Christchurch increases 41%
From reporter Tina Law:
The cost to build a new road link in Christchurch’s west has ballooned 41% to $25 million.
The Christchurch City Council is making changes to Halswell Junction Rd at Waterloo Rd, to provide a safer, more direct route for vehicles, especially large trucks accessing a nearby industrial area.
The cost to do the work has increased by $7.25m to $25m up from the $17.75m previously budgeted and there is a risk it could increase even further.
The work, being undertaken by Fulton Hogan, involves building a new road between Foremans Rd and Waterloo Rd, bypassing the existing section of Halswell Junction Rd, which will become a cul-de-sac.
A new rail crossing will be built at the end of the new link and the old crossing at Halswell Junction Rd by Waterloo Rd will be removed.
KiwiRail’s portion of the project has increased by $3.97m due to the rising cost of signal designs, and materials and construction.
The remaining $3.28m increase was due to escalating utility prices, and roading construction costs, the council said.
The project is completely funded by the council, with no subsidy from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
The work was expected to start mid-June and was expected to take a total of about 14 to 18 months.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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83% Yes
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14.4% No
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2.6% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.4% 1st December
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17.7% A week before Christmas
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33.3% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below