The Christchurch Northern Corridor (CNC) Alliance, led by Fulton Hogan in partnership with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Christchurch City Council, Aurecon, and Jacobs, has successfully delivered one of the South Island’s largest infrastructure projects. Completed in December 2020, the $290 million project enhances connectivity, safety, and sustainability across Christchurch’s northern transport network.

Transformative Scope and Delivery.

The CNC project involved constructing a new section of SH74, upgrading QEII Drive and Cranford Street, and building 62 km of road lanes, 15 km of shared paths, 12 bridges, and 14 gantries. The project also included widening the Waimakariri River Bridge with a T2/carpool lane and a clip-on cycleway, improving freight efficiency and public transport access.

Innovation and Sustainability.

Key innovations included:

• Fibre optic geotextile settlement monitoring.
• Steel mandrel piling method to reduce vibration and excavation.
• LED-lit decorative bridge panels and urban design features.
• Use of recycled materials and GreenFuels® biodiesel.
• Planting of 660,000 native plants and 1,500 specimen trees.
• Community and Stakeholder Engagement.

The CNC Alliance engaged over 1,100 stakeholders, hosted site visits, and collaborated with iwi to integrate cultural narratives into the shared path design. Public satisfaction reached 93%, and the project received Innovation and Environmental Awards from CCNZ Canterbury.

Achievements.

• Delivered on time despite COVID-19 and complex ground conditions.
• First alliance contract of this scale in the South Island.
• 1.7 million man-hours, 2,620 staff inducted, 489 subcontractors.
• PACE score: 86%, KRA score: 88/100.