Cost to build new road link in west Christchurch increases 41%

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

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.