Motorists across Invercargill and Southland are being urged to plan ahead, with a number of roadworks, closures and detours in place or starting this week.
Waikiwi Roadworks Begin
The Invercargill City Council has confirmed work will begin on North Road, Waikiwi from Monday 30 March, expected to take around a month.
The project will see the northbound lane closed between Bainfield Road and West Plains Road, including a section just north of West Plains Road. Southbound traffic will remain open.
Northbound traffic will be detoured via:
- Renfrew Street
- Gloucester Street
- West Plains Road
Heavy vehicles, including HPMV trucks, will use:
- Bay Road
- Drury Lane
- Gloucester Street
- West Plains Road
Drivers should expect short delays during this period.
Night Works On Queens Drive
Night resurfacing works are underway on Queens Drive, between St Andrew Street and the Water Tower, running from Sunday 29 March to Thursday 2 April.
- Road closed nightly from 5:30pm
- Reopens before 6:00am each morning
Motorists are advised to plan alternative routes during evening hours.
State Highway Delays Continue
Across Southland, several highway renewal projects remain underway:
- SH90 Waikaka Valley Highway (Waikaka Rd to Cunningham Rd):
Ongoing construction until late March, with 5–10 minute delays. - SH1 Pukerau (Landslip Rd to township):
Traffic lights in place for approximately four weeks, with 5–10 minute delays expected.
More Work Starting In Invercargill
Additional work is also planned on SH6 North Road, Waikiwi, with northbound lanes closed between Ruru Street and West Plains Road for around four weeks.
Detours include:
- Light vehicles: Renfrew St → Gloucester St → West Plains Rd
- Heavy vehicles: Bay Rd → Drury Lane → Gloucester St → West Plains Rd
Widespread Maintenance Across Southland
Drivers will encounter traffic management, reduced speeds, and stop/go controls at multiple locations, including:
- SH1 Woodlands–Invercargill (Wyeth Rd): stop/go for resurfacing
- SH6 Winton–Lorneville (Wilsons Crossing): traffic lights for repairs
- SH99 Clifden Bridge: stop/go for guardrail work
- SH1 Edendale–Woodlands: resurfacing
- SH93 Old Coach Road: guardrail and bridge repairs
- SH96 Nightcaps–Ohai: traffic lights for pavement repairs
- SH97 Mossburn–Five Rivers Road: culvert and pavement work
- SH98 Dacre–Lorneville Highway: vegetation works
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time across the network.
Southland District Road Closures
Several local roads are closed for bridge replacement works:
- Orr Road, Waimatua:
Closed until 1 May 2026
Detour via Kennington Waimatua Rd, Nally Rd and Blondell Rd - Badwit Road:
Closed until 13 April
Detours available north and south via Waituna Rd and surrounding routes - Davidson Road:
Closed until 17 April 2026
No detour available (local access only) - Dean Forest Road (Tuatapere):
Closed 7 April – 7 May 2026
No exit road, no detour available
Water Shutdown In Riverton
Residents on Church Street, Riverton (9–46) should note a planned water shutdown on Monday 30 March between 11am and 4pm for essential repairs.
Stewart Island Reseals Underway
Road resealing works are ongoing across Stewart Island Rakiura, with timing dependent on weather and conditions. Updates are being posted locally, with Golden Bay Road and Thule Road among those scheduled.
Plan Ahead
With multiple projects underway across the region, motorists are encouraged to:
- Check routes before travelling
- Allow extra time
- Follow all traffic management and signage
For the latest updates, visit the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi journey planner or freight register online.