An interim alliance agreement has been signed between major players involved in repairs to Christchurch's damaged infrastructure.
The city was severely damaged in the 6.3-magnitude quake on 22 February this year.
The alliance was signed by five construction companies, the Transport Agency, the Christchurch City Council and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority.
It covers repairs to all ground level and below ground infrastructure, which includes roads, water, waste-water and storm-water services, which are expected to cost between $2 billion and $3 billion.
Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says there are many unknowns in the process ahead and the arrangement gives flexibility to adjust as needed.
Mr Brownlee says the agreement signed is an interim one and the detail of the final agreement will be developed over the next four months.
Work on infrastructure in Christchurch will continue while that is happening, he says.
