Downer appointed to deliver next stage of Christchurch’s Brougham Street upgrade

Location

New Zealand

Sector

Roads & bridges

Date

29 October 2026

A major upgrade to one of Christchurch’s busiest and most important transport corridors is moving ahead, with Downer appointed by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to deliver Stage Two of the SH76 Brougham Street Upgrade.

Improving a vital Christchurch connection

Brougham Street is a critical connection through Christchurch and forms the main freight route to the Port of Lyttelton. The corridor also sits alongside homes, businesses, schools and a retirement village, making both safety and access important considerations as the upgrade is delivered.

“Brougham Street is a vital connection for Christchurch, including the main freight route to the Port of Lyttelton. Downer’s proud to be delivering this work for the community,”

Murray Robertson, Managing Director – New Zealand.

Stage Two will improve how people move through and around the corridor, with work including T2 lanes, safer and smarter intersections, improved traffic signals and crossings, and better walking and cycling connections.

For Downer, the project brings together our local Christchurch capability and wider transport infrastructure experience to deliver improvements within a busy, live urban environment.

Keeping Christchurch moving

Maintaining access while construction takes place will be a key focus for the project team.

Our delivery will see two lanes of traffic to remain open during peak periods. Achieving this while working safely around road users, neighbouring communities and businesses is our key priority.

“This is going to be an exciting challenge for the team. Keeping two lanes of traffic open in both directions during the daytime will need careful staging, and of course safety for everyone on and around the project will be our priority.”

Joanne Longbottom, Project Manager, Downer

Working together for Christchurch

With Christchurch City Council also planning maintenance to underground services beneath Brougham Street, Downer will support important coordination to sequence activities efficiently and minimise unnecessary repeat disruption.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2027.

The appointment builds on Downer’s long-standing infrastructure presence in Christchurch and gives our local team another opportunity to help deliver safer, more reliable connections for the city.

Find out more about the SH76 Brougham Street Upgrade on the NZTA project website.

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