Christchurch Earthquake: Lyttelton tunnel to be reopened on Saturday

The Lyttelton tunnel, badly damaged in the earthquake that struck Christchurch on Tuesday, will reopen to all traffic on Saturday.
The tunnel was closed immediately following the earthquake, as rockfalls caused significant damage to its canopy and to the tunnel control building.
The tunnel was re-opened for use by emergency vehicles at 6.30pm on Tuesday.
The severely damaged canopy was removed today and the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has been allowing fuel tankers through the tunnel under escort.
Private vehicles have been able to use Dyers Rd pass to reach Lyttelton, but people were urged to avoid all non-essential travel to keep the roads clear for emergency services, said NZTA networks operations manager for Canterbury, Pete Connors.
Rockfalls on the tunnel approaches still posed a risk to drivers, but both lanes of the tunnel were expected to be open by Saturday afternoon.
The tunnel control building has been deemed unsafe, and the tunnel's electrical systems and exhaust fans are operating on back-up generators.
All state highways and bridge structures in and around Christchurch have been inspected, and all bridges are considered safe despite some minor damage.
All other state highways in the region are open.
Surface flooding and liquefaction were slowing progress on re-opening a section of State Highway 74 (Anzac Drive from Travis Rd to Metro Pl).
Information on earthquake damage to state highways in Canterbury will be regularly updated on www.highwayinfo.govt.nz or is available by phoning 0800 44 44 49.