The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) advises that assessment of the Lyttelton Tunnel has been completed earlier than anticipated, and the tunnel will re-open to traffic from 11:30am.
The tunnel was closed shortly after the aftershock that struck at 7.50am this morning to allow safety checks to be carried out for possible damage.
NZTA Canterbury State Highways Operations Manager Peter Connors says an initial assessment of the tunnel has now been completed and has revealed that while some superficial damage has been sustained the tunnel remains structurally sound and safe for use.
“The safety of road users is our top priority, and we thank people for their patience while this work was carried out.”
Up to dated information Canterbury state highways including the Lyttelton Tunnel can be found at www.highwayinfo.govt.nz(external link) or by phoning 0800 44 44 49.
For further information on the situation on the ground in Christchurch visit the council’s earthquake information page at http://canterburyearthquake.org.nz/(external link) or http://www.metroinfo.co.nz/(external link).
