Halswell Junction Road to undergo resurfacing after complaints from residents

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch
Mar 17, 2025 |
Photo: Christchurch City Council

Halswell Junction Road is set for urgent resurfacing following repeated complaints from residents and advocacy from Halswell Councillor Andrei Moore.

The Christchurch City Council confirmed work would begin on 27 March and is expected to be completed by 9 April.

Councillor Moore said numerous residents had contacted him about ongoing issues with the road surface, including vibrations affecting homes.

Despite his previous complaints being dismissed as “already resolved,” Moore said individual reports from residents proved otherwise.

“I know we don’t want even more roadworks, but these are a must as soon as possible,” Moore said on his Facebook page.

The resurfacing will correct previous work that failed quality assurance checks.

The contractor will bear the cost of rework, which will now be done in asphalt rather than chipseal to ensure a smoother finish and reduce vibrations.

A works notice will be issued today, providing further details to affected residents. Moore said the issue had been one of the most frustrating he had dealt with as a councillor.

“Last year, it took me three months to get answers to questions that I had to submit an Official Information Act request for.

“When Newstalk ZB picked up the story last month, they got a response within a day.”

He also questioned why he had previously been told asphalt wasn’t suitable for the road, despite now receiving confirmation that the repairs would be done in asphalt.

“I’m definitely finding it difficult to do the job I’m elected to do when getting run-arounds like these,” Moore said.

Christchurch City Council Manager of City Streets Maintenance Steve Guy said the remedial work had been scheduled to align with the final phase of the project to minimise disruption to residents and road users.

“The road has not held up in several areas since the resurfacing works were completed in early 2025, resulting in bumps and slumping. Uneven surfaces can cause vibrations in homes when traffic passes,” Guy said.

“We accept this has been very unpleasant for residents. We’re committed to delivering a surface that meets our quality standards and—with the use of asphalt rather than chipseal—is as smooth as possible. This will eliminate the road surface as a contributing factor to any pre-existing vibrations.”

The final phase of work will include applying a waterproof seal at the Wigram Road and Whincops Road roundabout, as well as the Hamill Road and Alvaston Drive roundabout, to improve durability and reduce potholes.

Work will progress north along Halswell Junction Road in stages, from just south of Nicholls Road to just south of the Southern Motorway, with detours in place for southbound traffic.

“We understand this work is disruptive for residents and road users, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we complete this resurfacing,” Guy said.

The council acknowledged concerns from the community regarding traffic noise, loose chip, and the duration of works, saying it was monitoring the situation.

Moore said he hopes this will be “the final piece of work on this road for many, many years” and that residents, who have endured over a year of disruptions, are owed an apology.

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand. If you have a news tip or are interested in video content, email [email protected]

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