Temporary road closures for road works are divided into three types (Type A, Type B, and Type C), depending on the impact of the road closure on the public and properties in the area.

Apply for a temporary road closure

To apply for a temporary road closure, or to work out which type of temporary road closure you need, please contact a Traffic Management provider(external link) to assist you.  

If you are a qualified Site Traffic Management Supervisor (STMS) operating in the Christchurch area you must use TMP for Christchurch(external link) to submit your traffic management plans to the Christchurch Transport Operation Centre (CTOC) - a partnership between Christchurch City Council, New Zealand Transport Agency and Environment Canterbury.

The closure type determines how far in advance of the closure you must submit your application for the temporary road closure.

Impact score Closure type Apply in advance of closure Minimum public notice period
1 to 3 Type A – low impact 10 working days (2 weeks) 7 days
4 to 6 Type B – medium impact 14 working days (3 weeks) 7 days
7 or higher Type C – high impact 21 working days (4 weeks) 7 days

Note: The times above are a minimum requirement. Other conditions may be specified on a case-by-case basis.

Step-by-step guide

Submit application

Make sure you submit your application as early as possible. You must allow:

  • Between 10 and 21 working days for the Council to process your application. The time required depends on the type of road to be closed.
  • A minimum notice period of at least 7 days for affected parties and road users.

You should also allow some time for completing requirements, such as providing additional information if requested.

Application review

The Traffic Management Coordinator (TMC) has up to 21 working days to review your application and make a decision.

Important: If the TMC requests additional information from you, this processing time limit will be suspended from the date of the request until you provide the information required.

Once the decision is made, the TMC will advise you of the outcome by email. If the application is rejected, the TMC will provide information on the reasons for the decision. If the application is approved, the TMC will provide:

  • Your approved Temporary Road Closure Application Form
  • Your approved temporary traffic management plan
  • Information on any additional requirements or conditions relating to the approval

Advertise the road closure

If your application is approved, the road closure must be advertised 7 days before the closure. 

We will advertise the road cloure through our standard channels

You must install the pre-closure signage as specified in your approved temporary traffic management plan and deliver notification letters to affected properties

Road closure

On the day of the closure, close the road or roads, using the methods described in your approved temporary traffic management plan. You may only close the roads specified in your approved application form and traffic management plan, for the dates and times specified.

On the last day of the closure, you must remove all pre-closure signage in accordance with your approved traffic management plan.