Lyttelton Tunnel closed for after shock safety check

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has closed the Lyttelton Tunnel to carry out safety checks after this morning’s large aftershock centred near Lyttelton.

NZTA Canterbury State Highways Operations Manager Peter Connors says this morning’s aftershock may have caused cracking to the tunnel and retaining walls leading into it.

“The safety of road users is our top priority so the decision was made to close the tunnel so that a thorough inspection can be made to assess the scope of any damage. It is likely to be later this morning before an initial assessment of any damage is available. In the meantime the tunnel will remain closed.”

Mr Connors said a detour to Lyttelton is available via Sumner and Evans Pass, or via Dyers Road.

Up to dated information Canterbury state highways including the Lyttelton Tunnel can be found at www.highwayinfo.govt.nz or by phoning 0800 44 44 49.

For further information on the situation on the ground in Christchurch visit the council’s earthquake information page at http://canterburyearthquake.org.nz/ or http://www.metroinfo.co.nz/.