Christchurch Earthquake - CBD Cordon Update

10pm Monday 6 September 2010.

The Christchurch inner-city cordon will be further reduced at 8:00am
tomorrow (Tuesday) morning, reopening Cathedral Square and Colombo
Street. This is a major step toward freeing access to the City.

John Buchan, Rescue Manager says there will be full access for building
owners and the public in this area, except where damaged and unsafe
buildings have been taped off.

"We do however urge that people exercise caution as aftershocks
continue."

The area that remains cordoned off is bounded by:-
* Hereford Street
* St Asaph Street
* Colombo Street (side streets to the east remain cordoned off)
* Madras Street

"We are working to reopen these areas, but it's difficult where
buildings have been extensively damaged and have yellow or red placards.


"It will take a few days to work through these areas and many buildings
will remain taped off," says Buchan.

Buildings on the major arterial routes have been checked today and
placards affixed to buildings on Riccarton Road, Papanui Road, Colombo
Street, Ferry Road and Lincoln Road.

Council staff, the Fire Service and Urban Search and Rescue have been
dealing with thousands of calls on residential buildings and have
assisted owners with securing their houses, removing chimneys and
ensuring access to properties.

All 678 buildings in the CBD have been inspected and buildings have been
affixed with either a green, yellow or red placard.

A green placard means the building is considered safe for its intended
use - 69% of buildings have received a green placard.

A yellow placard means the building has limited access, as noted on the
placard, and further structural assessment is needed by the owners
consultants - 26% of buildings have received a yellow placard.

A red placard means the building is considered unsafe and further
structural assessment is needed. These buildings have generally been
isolated with barriers - 5% of buildings have received a red placard.