Drivers across Southland are being urged to plan ahead as state highway and council roadworks continue across the region.
A significant closure remains in place on SH99 at Wallacetown for culvert strengthening. The highway is fully closed from 6.30am on 23 February until 7pm on 9 March. All vehicles, including 58 tonne HPMV trucks, must detour via Ryal Bush-Wallacetown Road, Collinson Road and the SH6 Winton-Lorneville highway. The detour adds around 10 minutes to journeys. After this work, a four week road renewal programme will begin under one lane traffic management with temporary traffic lights, with delays of 15 to 20 minutes expected.
Construction is also continuing on SH90 in the Waikaka Valley between Waikaka Road and Cunningham Road until late March, with delays of five to 10 minutes likely. Maintenance work including pavement repairs, chipseal resurfacing and tree clearing is under way on sections of SH1, SH6, SH94, SH96 and SH99. Roadmarking under mobile traffic management is also planned in Winton and between Mataura and Ohai. All programmed work may be delayed due to weather or other factors.
Invercargill City Council has several detailed projects in progress. On Bainfield Road, a single lane is closed between North Road and Myers Street while stormwater and foul sewer pipes are replaced. The road is reduced to one lane for the duration of the project, with completion expected in March.
On Tweed Street, roadworks are under way to install a new pipeline between Elles Road and Princes Street. Traffic management is in place, including lane closures and parking restrictions. This project is expected to be finished by mid April.
Kerbing replacement work in Kelvin Street means the turn from Gala Street, heading north into Kelvin Street, is closed for the duration of the project. Completion is projected for late February.
On Miller Street, a foul sewer main upgrade is taking place. The road is open one way from Layard Street to Tweed Street, with work due to finish in April.
Southland District Council has also scheduled water shutdowns in Lumsden on 24 February and Wairio on 25 February. Bridge and culvert replacement projects will result in temporary road closures in Waimatua, Woodlaw, Acton and Lochiel through March and April, with detours available in some locations.
Drivers are encouraged to check the NZTA Journeys website and the Freight Impact Register for up to date information.