Lyttelton Road Tunnel 50th anniversary

On 27 February, 2014, the Lyttelton Road Tunnel celebrated 50 years since it was opened. When the tunnel was opened in 1964 people were allowed to walk through it.

Photo of Administration buildingThe tunnel complemented the long established Lyttelton Rail Tunnel. Christchurch had a rail tunnel from early colonial times but all sorts of issues prevented a road tunnel from joining it. It is the longest road tunnel in New Zealand and was originally a toll road. This was abolished in 1979.

The Lyttelton Road Tunnel Administration Building at the Heathcote (Christchurch) end of the tunnel was designed by Christchurch architect Peter Beaven. The distinctive building was  demolished in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes.

The building was demolished in early 2013. In May 2013 designs for a replacement building were released.

Are you a regular user of the tunnel? Do you remember its opening?