Wigram Magdala Link opens

The Wigram Magdala Link opens to travellers tomorrow, linking the communities either side of Curletts Road. The project has been completed ahead of time and under budget.

The overbridge joins Wigram Road and Magdala Place, better connecting the south-west of the city with Riccarton and Addington. It is also a key part of the Little River Link Major Cycle Route that stretches from the Central City to Little River through Addington, via the motorway and Lincoln.

Phil Clearwater, Chair of the Infrastructure, Transport and Environment Committee says, “The Wigram Magdala Link is an important connector for both the local community around the overbridge and for cyclists travelling further afield on the Little River Link cycleway. It is great to see it operational.

“The population around Wigram is growing and the Link will be an important piece of infrastructure for that community.”

The project was started in 2009 as part of the South West Area Transport Assessment to improve travel connectivity in the area and to provide a connection for pedestrians and cyclists moving along the shared path beside the Southern Motorway. The concept plan for the Wigram Magdala Link was developed in 2013 after public consultation.

Wigram Magdala Link is an important new access road that will help ease congestion, improve journey times and keep everyone moving in the southwest of Christchurch, says the NZ Transport Agency’s Southern Regional Director Jim Harland.

“It is particularly important for the residential and industrial growth areas of Wigram and Halswell as it provides motorists and cyclists with a direct link through to the Central City.”

He says the Transport Agency’s investment of $16 million in the $30 million project also recognises the significance of the road as a service link for the industrial and business parks in the area, helping to get freight to markets on time and grow the economy.

“This project is a great example of the City Council and Transport Agency working together to develop and manage a transport network that keeps everyone moving.”

Graham Crow, Hawkins Regional Infrastructure Manager, says “Hawkins is committed to building better communities so we are particularly pleased to be delivering this project well ahead of schedule so the Christchurch community can start benefitting significantly earlier than anticipated.”