Drivers heading south of Christchurch through Mid Canterbury this Easter and Anzac week are being urged to plan ahead, with two major highway reconstruction sites active near Ashburton.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said higher-than-usual traffic volumes are expected to begin Thursday afternoon, as people travel for the Easter break and again after Anzac Weekend.

Two key State Highway 1 sites are being upgraded:

• Ashburton – Asphalt resurfacing is underway between Moore and South Streets. This area will be closed overnight from 8pm to 6am for the next two weeks (weather permitting), with night-time Stop/Go restrictions expected the week after. NZTA said work is progressing well, with 3000 square metres of highway already resurfaced. Another shift was planned for Wednesday night, with more work scheduled for Monday or Tuesday next week.

• Ealing (north of Rangitata River) – Two lanes will be restored temporarily for the Easter and Anzac break from midday Thursday, with temporary speed limits in place. The site will return to a single-lane operation with traffic signals from Monday 28 April to Friday 9 May. Access to Ealing and Withells Roads from SH1 will remain closed over the break.

Drivers are advised to expect delays during peak travel times and follow all temporary signage.

Anzac Day road closures in Ashburton

Ashburton will have several temporary road closures for Anzac Day services on 25 April. The civic service and wreath-laying ceremony at Baring Square West begins at 11am.

Closures will be in place from 6am to 8.30am and again from 10am to 12.30pm on the following roads:

• West Street (SH1) from Havelock Street to Cameron Street

• Havelock Street from Park Street to East Street

• Cameron Street from West Street to Park Street

• Baring Square West from Havelock Street to Cameron Street

Fairlie and Geraldine will also hold Anzac services, with minor traffic detours expected.