Lyttelton Tunnel open to walkers for 50th Anniversary

On the 31st of August, residents were given privilege to walk, cycle and skate through the Lyttelton Tunnel to commemorate with the 50th anniversary celebration since the official opening of the tunnel, furthermore to mark the official opening of the new control building. MP for Christchurch Central- Ms. Nicky Wagner, Port Hill MP Ruth Dyson, Mayor of Christchurch Lianne Dalziel and representatives from Fletcher Construction all attended to witness this moment of great historical significance. Mayor Lianne expressed that it was a great celebration 50 years ago when Lyttelton Tunnel was officially opened and now everyone could witness how the tunnel stood the test of time. She then hopes that this event brings wonderful memories for the younger generations. In addition, MP Nicky Wagner shared that this project represents the greatness of NZ constructions to the world; where with limited engineering technology in the past, they still completed this near impossible task.

Lyttelton Tunnel is Christchurch’s first road tunnel which constructions started in year 1962 and was officially opened to vehicles in year 1964 hailed by the local community as "the new gateway for the Port to the Plains". It has then replaced the rail tunnel which was opened in year 1867.

Since the opening, convenience was given to those who were transporting goods from Lyttelton to Christchurch and vice versa. Fletcher Construction was responsible for the project with the cost of ￡ 2.7 million Pound Sterling to complete this 1.9 kilometers tunnel. As a result of damage sustained in the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, a new control building, constructed to 150% of the Building Code was also built to withstand future earthquakes.

This year, the road tunnel was closed to cars and trucks from 9.30am to 12.30pm on 31st of August, allowing those on foot to take over. Tunnel walker Beverley Bly, who first walked the tunnel on its opening day have once again gloriously walked the tunnel 50 years later. Small slopes along the tunnel gave cyclers, inline skaters and skateboarders’ joy in gliding the wind.

More than 25,000 people have walked through the tunnel in this 3 hours event and it has risen more than NZ$ 12,000 for Cholmondeley Children’s Centre. Canterburians hope that another 50 years anniversary could be celebrated making another mark in the splendid history of the strong Lyttelton Tunnel.