A series of road closures and water shutdowns are scheduled across the Southland region this week, with works affecting several towns and highways.
An emergency road closure has been put in place outside 88 Birchwood Road. From Tuesday 16 September until Friday 17 October, the section of road will be closed to ensure safety around the building at that address. While a detour will not be available, residents can still access properties on either side of the closure. Contractors will be on site from tomorrow to investigate what repairs are required.
In Tuatapere, there will be a planned water shutdown on Thursday 19 September between 9am and 3pm. The repair will take place at 1850 Tuatapere Orepuki Highway. The affected areas include 1–39 Main Road and 1819–1839 Tuatapere Orepuki Highway. Authorities say timeframes are indicative only and water may be restored without further notice.
On Wednesday 24 September, Wilderness Road will be closed between 143 and 208 Wilderness Road from 7am to 6pm. This is to allow the installation of a duct across the road. A detour will be available via Whitestone Road.
In Ardlussa, Freshford Plains Station Road will be closed between Main Wendonside Road and Wendonside Church Road North from 8am Monday 15 September until 5pm Friday 19 September. Work is expected to take two days, but alternative dates have been set from 22 to 26 September in case of delays. The closure is for duct installation across the road for water and electricity. A detour will be available, and residents will have property access.
In Waihopai Toetoe, Cuttance Road will be closed from Monday 15 September to Friday 7 November. This is to upgrade the carriageway for a new subdivision. As the road is no exit, no detour is available.
Also in Waihopai Toetoe, Mair Road will be closed daily from 8am to 5pm, Monday 15 to Friday 19 September. This is to stabilise a slip on the roadside. The road will open hourly for resident access, but will be closed overnight.
State Highway works will cause various delays throughout Southland, with traffic lights and stop/go systems in place across SH94, SH96, SH1, and SH93 for drainage and renewal works. Mobile operations will also be active in places like Edendale Hill, Athol, Caroline Valley, Dipton Township, and Mataura. Drivers are advised to pass with care.
Invercargill’s inner-city roads SH1 Tay Street, SH1 Clyde Street, and SH6 Dee Street will also have overnight works from Monday to Wednesday between 6pm and 4am. This work is weather dependent.
The Awarua Network Project will affect traffic along Motu Rimu Road from 15 to 18 September. Traffic management will be in place from Blyth Street to Bluff Highway while a helicopter operates in the area. Delays of up to 15 minutes are expected, and residents are encouraged to use Blyth Street to avoid congestion.
For detailed travel planning, the NZTA Journeys website and Freight Impact Register offer up-to-date information.