Infrastructure upgrades, Planning for the future, Supporting communities  |  14 Aug 2025

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Detailed design work will start next year on the lifeline route in and out of New Brighton following confirmation of $38.5 million in central government funding.

The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Board today endorsed the Council’s business case for a new Pages Road bridge and upgrade to surrounding streets. The funding will come from the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF).

Mayor Phil Mauger says this is great news after years of waiting by Christchurch residents.

“The Pages Road bridge is the crucial link between New Brighton and the city. Short-term temporary repairs have kept it operational since it was damaged in the earthquakes but it is time for a more resilient replacement, and we are happy that the government has come on board to help make this happen for the city.”

The work which is to be jointly funded by NZTA and Christchurch City Council will include a replacement bridge, new T-intersection and traffic lights to replace the Pages Road, Hawke Street and Seaview Road roundabout, Pages Road westbound increasing to two lanes, underground utility upgrades, kerb buildouts, pedestrian crossings and parking changes.

“This has been a key transport priority for the city given its strategic location as the main route across the Ōtākaro-Avon River into New Brighton. The new bridge and road will be more resilient to future earthquakes and the effects of climate change, and provide peace of mind for those who live, work and go to school in the eastern part of the city," says the Mayor. 

Associate Transport Minister James Meager says the central government funding contribution recognises the importance of building resilience and ensuring critical connections for Christchurch communities.

“I know how important this project is to the people of New Brighton, Southshore, and greater Christchurch, and I want to thank them for their continued advocacy to get this major infrastructure project across the line.

“Carrying more than 13,000 vehicles per day, the nearly 100-year-old bridge is approaching the end of its life. As the main point of access between the New Brighton and Southshore communities, and the rest of Christchurch, there has been increasing urgency to replace it.

“It’s promising to see progress being made, and I look forward to seeing shovels in the ground as soon as possible.”

Detailed design work will start next year, with construction anticipated to begin in 2028. The new bridge and traffic lights will be slightly north of the current position, so the existing bridge can be used while construction is underway.