9. DAVID BENNETT (National—Hamilton East) Link to this
to the Minister of Transport
What updates has the Minister received on damage caused by the Canterbury earthquake to the region’s transport infrastructure?
Hon STEVEN JOYCE (Minister of Transport) Link to this
I am receiving updates two to three times per day, currently. The latest situation is that Christchurch airport is open and both terminals are operational. Rail services were again disrupted by the large aftershock this morning but are now back running. There continues to be significant rail damage near Kaiapoi, and services are operating with speed restrictions in other areas. The Port of Lyttelton has suffered damage but is operational. The State highway network is predominantly open, except for State Highway 74 at Heathcote Valley off-ramp, a slip on State Highway 77 between Glentunnel and Glenroy, two sections of State Highway 74 on Anzac Drive, and the State Highway 1 Chaney’s Road on-ramp. The Lyttelton tunnel was reopened at 11.30 this morning, following a brief closure to inspect cracks that appeared after this morning’s aftershock. A section of State Highway 77 between Methven and Windwhistle has one lane open. Christchurch arterial roads outside the central business district are open. The main damage appears to be suburban streets, and extensive repairs will be necessary in conjunction with repairs to services like water and waste water.
I take the opportunity to thank all the people who have worked tirelessly to ensure that emergency services, people, and supplies can move around the region and around Christchurch City.
The damage to the State highway network, so far, has been remarkably light, with an initial estimated repair bill of around $6 million to $10 million. Rail too has suffered relatively light damage, so far, with a repair bill estimated at $2 million. Local roads, however, have been extensively damaged, and a cost estimate is not yet available. The New Zealand Transport Agency is able to provide initial funding assistance for the reinstatement of local roads in the case of natural disasters, and initially has $94 million available for the current financial year. The agency is working closely with local councils to estimate the size of the damage and what contribution will be needed. Aftershocks are continuing to cause ongoing damage, so all cost estimates are very preliminary at this point.