An $18.4 million project to upgrade a busy stretch of Riccarton Road is going to finish eight months earlier than expected.

It was originally anticipated that work to upgrade Riccarton Road between Harakeke and Matipo streets would take until the end of 2020.

However, in September last year contractors Fulton Hogan advised Christchurch City Council they would have the work done by August 2020.

That finish date has now been brought forward by a further four months.

“The contractors inform us that by Easter they will have completed the bulk of the work, which is fantastic news,’’ says Cr Mike Davidson, Chair of the Urban Development and Transport Committee.

“We are thrilled they have managed to get this important infrastructure project completed eight months ahead of schedule. Road users, local residents and businesses have been very patient throughout the works, and I’m sure they will be glad to see the road works come to an end.’’

The work along Riccarton Road has involved replacing ageing sewer and water supply pipes, some of which were over 100-years-old and buried about four metres below ground.

The pipe work has now been completed and the road has been reconstructed to accommodate bus priority measures along this busy public transport route.

The Council has also taken the opportunity to create a nicer environment for pedestrians by making streetscape improvements including additional seating and landscaping.

“Line marking and landscaping including tree planting, will still need to be completed, but the most disruptive elements of the project – the replacement of the old underground pipes and the reconstruction of the road – will be done,” says Council Transport Planning and Delivery Manager Lynette Ellis

“Fulton Hogan has worked hard to find ways to get this project completed as fast as possible because they are conscious that Riccarton Road is one of Christchurch’s busiest thoroughfares and carries a huge volume of traffic every day.”