Overview

Ventia is the Services Contractor managing the Operations and Maintenance on the Lyttelton Tunnel for New Zealand Transport Agency. 

Client

New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), Waka Kotahi

Project duration

Commenced: 2017

Description

Ventia provides tunnel operation and maintenance, incident response, and traffic management of the Lyttelton Tunnel, a vital transport link between the Port of Lyttelton and Christchurch. Opened in 1964, it is one of New Zealand’s longest road tunnels and handles between 12,000 – 15,000 vehicles per day. The tunnel has one traffic lane in each direction and is the only one in Australasia which allows dangerous goods through, with fuel tankers going through under a full closure at night time.

In 2019 safety improvements were made including installation of a new deluge fire suppression system and the construction of a large reservoir to supply water, some earthquake strengthening of the tunnel portal buildings, and communication equipment upgrades. 

Ventia’s Tunnel Control team work closely with local Police and other stakeholders to ensure safe and reliable use of the tunnel is maintained at all times.

Scope of work

• 24-hour day to day operation and management
• Asset management services
• Traffic control and enforcement
• Incident response
  
• Manage compliant transit of heavy vehicle carrying dangerous goods such as hazardous chemicals

Statistics