Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) says drivers can expect to see plenty of activity across state highways in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes over the spring and summer road-maintenance season. 

This season will see approximately 67 lane-kilometres of highway resealed, with motorists asked to allow for speed restrictions and delays of up to 10 minutes at many sites. 

“We understand people can get stressed travelling on busy highways, especially in warmer conditions,” maintenance contract manager Peter Standring said in a statement advising of planned and underway works. 

“But just like we want travellers to get where they are going safely, we want our roading team from Aspiring Highways to get home safely to their families. A bit of patience behind the wheel goes a long way.” 

Resealing projects in or near the district include: 

• SH8 Raes Junction to Dairy Creek (just north of Clyde) – November 
• SH8 Cromwell to Blue Gums/Tarras – December 
• SH85 Omakau to Kyeburn – December 
• SH8A Luggate to Tarras Road – January 
• SH6 Albert Town to Queenstown – January 
• SH6 Queenstown to Kingston – February 

Other significant works under way or due soon include: 

• SH6 Scrubby Gully resilience works (Cromwell side of Kawarau Gorge) – August to November 
• SH8 Bendigo Terrace reconstruction – August to December 
• SH6 Nevis Bluff spring scaling – October to November 
• SH8 Stableburn reconstruction – November to March 
• SH8 Dip Creek culvert replacement (Lindis Pass) – January to March 
• SH8/8B Deadman’s Point intersection works – February 
• SH8A Luggate Bridge maintenance – timing to be confirmed 

Peter said the impact on traffic would vary from full closures to managed delays, depending on the work. 

“We thank everybody for their patience over the spring and summer months as we carry out the work to provide better, safer roading and infrastructure for everyone across Central Otago.” 

Weekly updates on Otago state-highway maintenance are available online here.

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