Residents across Southland should plan for several road closures, water shutdowns, and infrastructure upgrades over the coming weeks. These projects, carried out by Southland District Council, NZTA, and Invercargill City Council, aim to improve roads, pipelines, and public services across the region.
Water Shutdowns
In Riverton, water supply will be interrupted on 29 January to allow for a repair at 2 Castle Street. The work affects the entire street and is scheduled between 10am and 3pm.
In Lumsden, a similar shutdown will take place on 28 or 29 January, affecting Forest Street, Farm Street, addresses from 152 to 168 Flora Road, and 2 Laura Street. The repair at 162 Forest Street is expected to cause outages between 10am and 3pm.
Southland Road Closures
In Ōreti, Anderson Road will be closed from 2 February to 28 February 2026 between Benmore Otapiri Road and Winton Channel Road. This closure is required for a full bridge replacement. While no detour is available, residents will still be able to access their properties.
Tuatapere’s Feldwick Road will be closed to through traffic from 2–5 February 2026 for culvert replacement. A detour will be signposted via Clifden Gorge Road and Ohai Clifden Highway.
In Manapouri, Weir Road will be closed daily from 2–20 February, between 7am and 5.30pm, for repairs to the Mararoa River bridge. The bridge will briefly open on the hour for 10 minutes to let traffic through. No full detour is available.
Wyndham’s Balaclava Street will be closed on the west side from 97 Balaclava Street to Cardigan Road West, along with the intersection at Pera Street, from 2 February to 29 May 2026. This is to allow stormwater pipe and lateral replacements. A detour via Scutari Street, Nightingale Street, and Cardigan Road will be in place.
Highway Works
Key sites for state highway renewals include:
- SH90 Waikaka Valley – ongoing construction, expect 5–10 minute delays
- SH94 at Sinclair Road, Te Anau – sealing expected by end of the week (weather dependent)
- SH94 Milford Highway, Homer Tunnel – resurfacing from 26 January for 1–2 weeks
- SH96 near Transmission Line Road – resurfacing underway
Upcoming work includes SH99 Wallacetown (February–March), SH1 Waipahi Highway (February–March), and SH6 Waikiwi (March–April).
Maintenance work using temporary traffic lights will continue across highways SH1, SH93, SH94, and SH98 for resurfacing and pavement repairs.
Roadmarking is scheduled under mobile traffic management from 26–31 January on multiple highways including SH1 Bluff, SH93, SH96, and urban sections of SH1 and SH6 in Invercargill.
Invercargill City Roadworks
Several Invercargill streets are closed or under restricted access due to foul sewer and freshwater upgrades:
- Bay Road: Road closed between 212 Bay Road and Ross Street, including Tanner-Bay and Harvey-Bay intersections. Eastbound detour in place.
- Wilton Street: Closed between Bourke and Chelmsford Streets for sewer main upgrades. Project ends February 2025.
- Salford Street: Closed from Moana Street to Terrace Street for water main upgrades. Completion due February 2026.
- Miller Street: Lane closures in place for sewer upgrades. Entry via Lindisfarne Street, exit via Tweed Street. Expected finish in April.
- Severn Street: Fully closed while the sewer main is replaced. Access available for residents only.
Drivers are advised to check live updates on the NZTA Journeys website and the Freight Impact Register to avoid delays and plan alternative routes.