- SH1 roadworks in Milton will disrupt travel for Otago and Southland motorists.
- Detours impact Invercargill travellers heading north or returning south from 6 January.
- Businesses remain open during works; NZTA urges locals to show their support.
People driving through Milton in South Otago should prepare for detours starting Monday, 6 January. Crews from NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will repave the highway along State Highway 1 (SH1), a key route for Invercargill motorists travelling north and returning south. Related: Invercargill City Streets Set For Resurfacing
The roadworks will require traffic management and diversions off Union St for approximately four weeks, with completion expected by early February.
“Crews will be working shifts around the clock on this project, 24/7, given the importance of Union St to Milton,” says Nicole Felts, Journey Manager for NZTA in Otago. “Detours will be clearly marked, with temporary traffic signals used some nights towards the last half of the project,” she says.
Drivers returning to work in early January are advised to allow extra travel time if heading to or from Dunedin via Milton. Temporary speed limits, side-road closures, and stop/go traffic lights will manage the flow of vehicles. Footpaths will remain open but should be avoided near dug-up areas, even if no workers are present.
Local businesses will stay open, and NZTA encourages locals and travellers to support them. “Park on a detour street and take a stroll onto SH1,” Miss Felts suggests.
The project will follow five key stages:
- Stage 1: Southbound lane closure, detour via Duthie St, Centennial Ave, Spenser St, Abercrombie St, back to SH1.
- Stage 2: Northbound lane closure, detour via Arthur St, Ajax St, Jura St, back to SH1.
- Stage 3: Northbound lane closure, detour via Arthur St, Ajax St, Eden St, back to SH1.
- Stage 4: Stop/go traffic lights between Ossian St and Lowery St at the south end bridge.
- Stage 5: Overnight stop/go traffic lights for around a week.
The NZTA team aims to minimise disruptions for residents, businesses, and road users, but some noise, limited driveway access, and traffic interruptions will be unavoidable.
The timeline for the work depends on weather, with rain potentially delaying progress. NZTA thanks all road users for their cooperation and urges drivers to slow down and drive safely through the affected areas.