Resurfacing work and improvements at the busy Deadman’s Point intersection in Cromwell will result in short delays next week (February 9).

New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) said work will begin on Monday where the State Highways 8 and 8B meet, alongside the Clutha River / Mata-Au.

Contractors will start with milling/removal of the existing asphalt surface and then move to laying new asphalt.

NZTA media manager Jarrod Booker said the asphalt surface at the intersection is more than 20 years old and past its serviceable life, which is why it is being replaced.

“The damage that can be seen in the photo will form part of the site for resurfacing. Any visible damage at the site is considered to be because of age/wear.”

Jarrod said contractors will also be taking the opportunity to make some minor safety changes to the layout of the intersection, changing the give-way priority (which lanes need to give way and which have right of way), and installing a dedicated slip lane.

'New Road Layout' signs will be at the intersection immediately following the change to alert road users of the updated arrangements.

The intersection is a known high-risk area, with multiple serious accidents reported in recent years, including in March 2025, February 2022, September 2022 and July 2012, when a fatal crash prompted a $100,000 upgrade.

The work is scheduled to begin daily from 9pm to 6am, Sundays to Thursdays, and during these times it will mean a single lane closure and road users being asked to stop on demand. 

Work is expected to continue through until Friday 20 February. The work is weather-dependent and if the schedule has to change, notification will be provided.

“We thank people in advance for their patience and understanding as we complete this work to upgrade this intersection for all those who use it.”

Resurfacing has also been carried out on a stretch of road between Luggage and Cromwell over the past weekend near Amisfield Road, and between Tarras and Cromwell near Bendigo Loop Road.

For the latest updates on state highway closures and delays, check out our roads section.