Drivers across Southland are being advised to expect delays next week as several state highway maintenance and renewal projects continue across the region.
Highways South has released its latest weekly update outlining planned work on state highways, with several sites currently active and more scheduled in the coming weeks. A mapped version of the works is available here.
Several key renewal projects are already underway. On State Highway 90 through Waikaka Valley, construction between Waikaka Road and Cunningham Road is expected to continue until late March. Drivers should allow for delays of between five and ten minutes while work continues.
A major update also affects State Highway 99 near Wallacetown. Following culvert strengthening work to improve flood protection, the full closure between Ryal Bush-Wallacetown Road and Underwood-Linds Bridge Road is scheduled to lift at 6pm on Monday March 9.
Once reopened, the highway will operate with temporary traffic lights and a reduced 30km/h speed limit between 7am and 6pm each day while road renewal work continues. The work will involve excavation, fill and resurfacing, and is expected to run for about four weeks. Drivers should expect delays of up to 15 minutes during this period.
Additional renewal projects are also planned, including road renewal on State Highway 1 at Waipahi Highway east of Pukerau in March. Resurfacing is also scheduled for State Highway 6 North Road in Waikiwi, Invercargill, during March and April.
Maintenance crews will also carry out pavement repairs, vegetation clearing and guardrail repairs across several highways including SH1, SH6, SH94, SH96, SH97 and SH98. Most sites will operate with stop/go controls or temporary traffic lights.
Roadmarking work will take place under mobile traffic management on Bluff Road, across Invercargill’s SH1 and SH6 urban network, Winton urban roads, SH93 between Mataura and Clinton, and SH96 between Mataura and Ohai.
Weather conditions may affect scheduling of the planned work.
Meanwhile, Invercargill City Council has advised that Bainfield Road is operating with a single lane while stormwater and sewer pipes are replaced between North Road and Myers Street, with work expected to finish in March.
On Tweed Street, a new pipeline is being installed between Elles Road and Princes Street. Work begins at the roundabout and will move toward Princes Street. Traffic lanes will close alternately as work progresses, with traffic management and parking restrictions in place. The project is expected to be completed by mid April, weather permitting.
More information about highway conditions and planned roadworks is available at journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner. Freight operators can also check the Freight Impact Register at nzta.govt.nz/commercial-driving/trucks-and-tow-trucks/potential-restrictions-affecting-freight/.