(PR.co.nz) Work starts along Oxford Terrace today (8 June 2010) on the extension of Christchurch’s Central City tram route.
The Christchurch City Council approved the extension of the Christchurch tram route on 30 June 2009 and included funding for the project in its Long Term Council Community Plan 2009-19. The first stage of the tram extension, to the corner of High and Tuam streets, is to be completed in time for the Rugby World Cup 2011.
Tram tracks have already been laid in City Mall as part of the revitalisation of the Central City pedestrian precinct.
Work begins today along the Oxford Terrace section of the extended tram route. Downer has been awarded the contract to construct the first stages of the extended tram route and is preparing a detailed work plan. This will set out when work will be carried out on the different sections of the new tram route and more information will be available once it is complete.
Council Project Management Unit Manager Christian Anderson says the route selected for the tram extension fits with the Council’s strategy to revitalise the Central City, linking destinations north and south of Cathedral Square.
“The extension of the tram route is expected to bring more people to the up-and-coming Central City South area and create significant economic opportunities for the city,” he says.
Media Release 8 June 2010 from Christchurch City Council.