Christchurch Gateway Arches

In 2017 the Gateway Arches were constructed as a new entrance and exit to and from the city at this intersection.

Designers Warren and Mahoney aimed to symbolise the region's braided rivers, southern alps mountain range and 'the excitement of travel' all at once. At the time of installation, some controversy sprung from the fact that the Eastern side of Christchurch was still limping along without reinstatement of vital infrastructure, six years after the earthquakes. It was actually the case that the plans for this entranceway to the city were first mooted in 2009, before the quakes, and happened to become consented in 2015.

The arches are 27 metres tall, made by McConnell Dowell-Downer from 400 tonnes of steel arced over upgraded Russley Road, in an ever-expanding airport precinct.

Nearby is a fibreglass Mark 16 replica Spitfire aircraft which has graced the airport entrance since 1963.