Delayed But Determined: Stead Street in Invercargill to Reopen with Two Lanes Soon

Stead Street in Invercargill to Reopen with Two Lanes on October 10, Announces Environment Southland

Stead Street, a key traffic artery in Invercargill, will reopen to two lanes of traffic on Tuesday, October 10, according to an update from Paul Hulse, the General Manager of Integrated Catchment Management at Environment Southland. Related: Design and Construction Issues Plague Stead Street Pump Station Project

This announcement comes after a delay due to flooding that inundated the construction site, causing a shift in the anticipated reopening timeline.

Hulse expressed his regret at not being able to meet the community’s initial expectations for a weekend reopening. He acknowledged the inconvenience and frustration this has caused to residents and commuters alike but thanked them for their continued patience and understanding.

“We know this isn’t the news many wanted to hear and acknowledge the continued disruption to their journey. We want to thank everyone for their ongoing patience while we complete this work,” said Hulse.

The upcoming steps required to finalize the road reopening are scheduled as follows, with the caveat that they are weather-dependent:

• October 2: Installing framing for concrete pours.
• October 2: Asphalt the footpath.
• October 3: Pouring concrete for the platform wall.
• October 4-6: Removing the framing from around and under the platform using a specialist ‘man-cage’ supported by a crane due to confined space.
• October 9: Removing the sheet pile wall from within the estuary.

Upon completion of these tasks, the crane can be safely returned to the pump station side of the road, allowing for the road’s clearance and the reinstatement of two lanes of traffic on October 10.

Environment Southland has committed to posting regular updates as the countdown to the road reopening continues. Motorists and residents are advised to stay tuned for further information.

The reopening of Stead Street to its full capacity will undoubtedly bring relief to the community, as traffic flow returns to normal and congestion eases. In the meantime, authorities urge all road users to exercise caution and patience as they await the completion of this essential construction work.