Transport Minister Steven Joyce made the announcement at an event in Christchurch this morning.

The AA has been involved in consultation on the Southern Motorway project since it began in 2006, says Mr Masters.

"This is great news for the region. Travelling around Christchurch will be quicker and safer once this road is built.

"It will not only take heavy trucks away from city routes and reduce traffic in local suburbs, but it will also create significant economic benefits by improving access to Lyttelton Port from the south.

"We're also especially pleased to see dedicated cycle ways on both sides of the motorway, which will completely separate cyclists and pedestrians from other traffic. This is a major safety feature which is most welcome and I hope it becomes standard practice for all new roads in the future," says Mr Masters.

The full project is expected to take four years. Stage Two will involve the construction of a bypass around Templeton, which will complete the project.

Mr Masters says the AA was also extremely pleased to hear today that work will begin on the Western Corridor this year too.

"This is a real plus. The Western Corridor will involve four-laning of Russley and Johns Roads, which will greatly improve through-traffic to the north and south and access to Christchurch Airport," says Mr Masters.

The Association is representing AA Members in consultation on other proposals for road improvements as well, including the Northern Motorway Extension.

"The AA is very pleased to hear the Government is commiting to complete the whole package of road improvements for Christchurch in 10 years. It's not only very positive for Christchurch City, but also for the region as a whole."

For more information contact

Warren Masters
Chairman
Canterbury District Council, NZAA
M. +64 274 320 975

The New Zealand Automobile Association is an incorporated society with over one million members. It represents the interests of road users who collectively pay over $2 billion in taxes each year through fuels excise, road user charges and GST.