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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83.3% Yes
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14.3% No
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2.4% 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.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️