A mix of state highway renewals, district road closures, and council infrastructure works are underway across Southland this week. Here's what motorists need to know.
Invercargill
The major disruption for city drivers remains SH6 North Road at Waikiwi, where northbound lanes between Ruru Street and West Plains Road are closed for approximately four weeks. Southbound lanes remain open to all traffic. Light vehicles detour via Renfrew Street, Gloucester Street, and West Plains Road. Heavy vehicles and HPMVs are directed via Bay Road, Drury Lane, Gloucester Street, and West Plains Road.
On Bay Road, Invercargill City Council advises that the foul sewer renewal is nearly complete — most of the work is done. However, the final stage between Drury Lane and Ross Road has been delayed due to the resurfacing work on North Road. Completion is now projected for May 2026. Drivers using Bay Road as part of the North Road heavy vehicle detour should be aware of this.
State Highway Renewals
On SH90 in the Waikaka Valley, construction between Waikaka Road and Cunningham Road continues through Easter and into mid-April. Allow 5–10 minutes extra through the site.
SH1 at Pukerau has traffic lights in operation between Landslip Road and Pukerau Township for around four weeks. Expect 5–10 minute delays.
Southland District Council Road Closures
Te Anau — The town centre from The Lane to Lakefront Drive, and Lakefront Drive between 84 Lakefront Drive and 92 Te Anau Terrace, will be closed to through traffic from 10am to noon on Saturday 25 April for the annual ANZAC parade. Detours will be signposted.
Mokoreta, Waihopai — Klondyke Road between Mokoreta Tahakopa Road and Matheson/Craig Road is closed from Monday 13 April until Tuesday 5 May for bridge replacement. Residents on both sides retain property access. Northbound detour via Wyndham Mokoreta Road and Craig Road; southbound via Mokoreta Tahakopa Road and Matheson Road.
Lochiel— Forbes Road between Lochiel Branxholme Road and the Winton Lorneville Highway (SH6) will close Tuesday 14 to Wednesday 15 April (weather permitting) for a pavement stabilisation trial. No signed detour — residents will retain access from the Lochiel Branxholme Road end.
Stewart Island
Resealing work is continuing across Stewart Island's roads over coming weeks. Contractors Fulton Hogan will post progress updates on the board outside the Four Square. For more, follow the Stewart Island Rakiura Community Board Facebook page.
Highways South Maintenance
The following sites have traffic management and reduced speed limits in place:
- SH99 at Clifden Bridge – stop/go for guardrail repairs
- SH94 near Mavora Lakes Road – two-lane diversion for stock underpass installation
- SH99 near Wallacetown – guardrail installation
- SH1 at Wyeth Street, Woodlands – resealing on SDC side roads
- SH1 at Edendale – remedial repairs to seal surfacing
- SH6 near Wilsons Crossing – pavement repairs
- SH6 at Fern Hill – subsoil drain installation
- SH6 Athol–Five Rivers Highway at Mid Dome – surface water channel renewals
- SH6 at Bog Burn – pavement repairs
- SH6 at Heenans Corner – pavement repairs
For live journey planning visit journeys.nzta.govt.nz. Freight operators can check the NZTA Freight Impact Register and filter for Southland.