Travellers between Ashburton and Rangitata in Mid-Canterbury are being warned to expect significant delays throughout April as roadworks get underway on State Highway 1 near Ealing, north of the Rangitata River Bridge.
NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) said a contractor became available at short notice, prompting the late announcement of the works.
“We apologise for the lack of forewarning, but given the availability, we hope to make the most of this late summer sealing opportunity,” NZTA Mid Canterbury Maintenance Contract Manager Chris Chambers said.
The road sealing work will start Monday, 31 March, and continue through to the end of April. Crews will focus on the section of highway between Withells Road and Ealing Road. No work will take place over Easter Weekend or public holidays, with the site fully restored to two lanes by midday on Thursday, 17 April.
Temporary traffic signals and Stop/Go traffic management will control vehicle movements during daytime hours, between 7am and 6pm. Chambers said Stop/Go controls could also be in place overnight as the new surface is laid and protected before the final seal.
“Drivers of light vehicles can take the alternative inland route between Hinds and Rangitata via State Highway 79 to avoid long waits,” Chambers said. “Otherwise, they may face delays of up to an hour.”
Northbound light vehicle drivers are strongly encouraged to use Scenic Route 72 (the Geraldine-Arundel Road) from Winchester through to Geraldine, then rejoin SH1 at Hinds or further north.
Traffic management may also be used at the single lane Upper Orari Bridge to minimise delays along the alternate route. Chambers said SH79 has recently been resealed and will be suitable for all traffic by 31 March.
However, heavy vehicles and High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMV) are asked to stay on SH1 due to the fragile condition of Scenic Route 72 following flood damage.
The section of SH1 being repaired was part of a larger resealing project completed in May 2024, but some areas did not hold up, requiring this rework.
NZTA thanked drivers for their patience and urged all travellers to plan their journeys and use the inland route where possible to avoid delays.
