SH76 Brougham Street upgrade moving to next stage
New Zealand’s Transport Minister announced Stage Two of Christchurch’s SH76 Brougham Street upgrade, following completion of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge in Stage One.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop confirmed Downer has been appointed to deliver Stage Two of the SH76 Brougham Street Upgrade in Christchurch. The project targets congestion and safety issues along one of the city’s busiest streets, which also serves as the main freight route to Lyttelton Port. Community concerns over safety near schools and a retirement home have driven the initiative, alongside persistent traffic delays. The upgrade aims to improve traffic flow and accessibility for all road users, including freight vehicles.
The first stage of the upgrade is nearing completion with a new pedestrian and cycle bridge now installed between Collins and Simeon Streets. The bridge is expected to open to the public in November 2024, reducing conflicts between motor vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Remaining landscaping and finishing work for Stage One will conclude by early 2027, marking the full completion of this phase.
Stage Two, now under contract with Downer, will begin construction in early 2025 and includes upgrades to traffic signals, intersections, and the introduction of T2 lanes for vehicles with two or more occupants. Additional measures include new signalised crossings and a shared walking and cycling path along the south side of SH76 Brougham Street to enhance safety and accessibility.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will coordinate with Christchurch City Council to sequence roadworks and minimise disruptions to road users. The collaboration aims to avoid unnecessary digging and reduce the impact of construction on traffic flow, ensuring smoother progress for the final stage of the upgrade.