NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising drivers to plan ahead for closures of the SH1 Tram Road off-ramp between Christchurch and Kaiapoi.

The closures will allow contractors to complete a range of safety improvements at the off-ramp, making the intersection safer for everyone who uses it. Work begins today (Monday 29 January), and is expected to be completed in late April 2024.

The safety upgrade work includes: New traffic signals at the Tram Road off-ramp, which will improve the safety, efficiency, and capacity of the right turn towards Kaiapoi. Extending the free left-turn, which will provide a safe merging space for drivers on Tram Road. The relocation of light poles and the installation of a new kerb and channel. The installation of a two-metre-wide cycle lane around the free left-turn on Tram Road to make it safer for people on bikes travelling west towards Ohoka.

The Tram Road off-ramp will be fully closed at times during the work, primarily overnight between 8pm and 4am. The off-ramp will remain open during weekday peak evening periods.

During the off-ramp closures, motorway traffic will be detoured via Ohoka Road and Island Road. The Tram Road overpass will operate one-way eastbound only across the motorway bridge during the work, while westbound traffic will be detoured via Main North Road, Ohoka Road and Island Road.

The Tram Road on-ramp will remain accessible throughout the work, and in particular during the weekday peak morning period. During overnight off-ramp and Tram Road closures, access to the on-ramp will be available from the east approach (Main North Road) side only.