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Lyttelton port - Source: Supplied -
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Concerns have been raised over the state of Lyttelton Port, after it sustained tens of millions of dollars worth of damage in Saturday morning's earthquake.
The port is just 12 kilometres from central Christchurch and provides a vital link in the whole South Island's supply chain.
The port has long been the main port of the Canterbury region.
Despite suffering significant damage in the initial quake and in the numerous aftershocks that have followed, it is still operational.
Damage near the tank farm is obvious from the outside, and most of the port is off-limits.
A maintenance worker told ONE News part of the wharf has dropped 30 centimetres.
Lyttelton Tunnel open, State Highway 74 closed
Lyttelton Tunnel reopened on Wednesday afternoon after being closed for inspection following a sharp aftershock this morning.
NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) state highways operations manager Peter Connors said the tunnel was closed shortly after the 5.1 aftershock that struck at 7.50am to allow safety checks to be carried out for possible damage.
He said an initial assessment of the tunnel had revealed that while some superficial damage had been sustained the tunnel remained structurally sound and safe for use.
However a "key freight corridor" damaged in the quake si still closed and likely to reopen later this week.
State Highway 74, one of the main routes to the Port of Lyttelton, suffered foundation damage during Saturday's massive quake.
A decision on whether to reopen the highway would be made at midday tomorrow, NZTA Canterbury highways operations manager Peter Connors said.
"NZTA is working hard to open it as soon as possible, but before that can occur, we have to be certain there is no risk to road users," he said.
Detours were in place via local roads and Johns Rd on SH1.
The Chaney's Rd on-ramp to SH1, north of Christchurch, was also likely to re-open in the next few days.
Fuel supply worries
Despite worries over fuel getting through, Lyttleton Port has given its assurance that supplies are not under threat.
"Everything we've tested over the days and from today will be working. We've got a first shipment due on Monday," Lyttelton Port Company CEO told ONE News today.
And while engineers are busy checking the tank farm, fuel companies are re-assuring motorists.
BP Managing Director Mike McGuinness said all BP retail sites and terminals had been checked following the earthquake and again after today's magnitude aftershock.
All except for one retail outlet remain open.
"We know people have a lot to worry about and want to reiterate that they don't have to worry about fuel," McGuinness said.
"We are doing everything possible to make sure there is fuel for all motorists in Canterbury as well as the rest of New Zealand."
About Lyttelton
Lyttelton Harbour is surrounded by steep hills formed from the sides of an extinct volcanic crater.
Damage to the Lyttelton area is less significant than in Christchurch itself, due to the dampening effects of the solid rock incline.
Lyttelton Port has long been the main port of the Canterbury region.
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