People who drive in and out of Christchurch via the Northern Motorway between Pineacres and Lineside Road should build in extra time tomorrow and Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm.
A stand of eucalypts near the highway will be felled for safety reasons.
Both sides of the highway will be affected by the tree felling – heading north and south, said Transport Agency Journey Manager Lee Wright. Half a dozen of the trees were removed last week after the high winds raised concerns.
“The trees are thought to have been damaged in floods and have been visibly dying for many months. The Transport Agency has been talking to the landowner for some time to get this safety issue sorted out,” said Ms Wright.
Given the recent high winds and with winter approaching, now is a good time to remove this potential road hazard, she said.
Some alternative routes are available to road users, for example, by taking the old Waimakariri Bridge through Kaiapoi.
