7 October 2013

New Lyttelton Tunnel Control Building begins to take shape

The new Lyttelton Tunnel Control Building is beginning to take shape, with the foundations laid and construction of the basement walls nearing completion.

Work on-site was delayed after fill from the construction of the tunnel was discovered during excavation for the foundations, says the NZ Transport Agency's Christchurch Highway Manager Colin Knaggs.

"This had to be removed and additional work undertaken to prepare the ground. As a result, scheduled completion of the building it now mid March."

Christchurch-based Higgs Construction were awarded the $1.5 million contract late July to construct the 310sqm purpose-built facility to manage the operations and maintenance of the Lyttelton Tunnel.

The original building was badly damaged by the Canterbury earthquakes and was demolished earlier this year under the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act 2011.

The new building is being built closer to the tunnel, in an area at less risk from rockfall and to 180 per cent of the Building Code to ensure the building will remain operational in the aftermath of any future earthquake.

Mr Knaggs says as a result of the delays, the new Lyttelton Tunnel Control Building will not be completed in time for the Lyttelton Tunnel's 50th anniversary celebrations in February next year.

"The building is now expected to open late March."

For more information please visit www.nzta.govt.nz

ENDS

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