Spring is upon us, and so too is the summer roadworks programme on Southland’s state highways.

“Two road reconstructions are in the final stages of being completed at Wallacetown and Lowther, and another is underway on SH6 near Centre Bush. We appreciate the patience of road users while we have had traffic management at these sites,” says Justin Reid, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) in Southland. “Two more reconstruction sites near Mossburn and another near Balfour will also be underway in the next few weeks.”

“Our Highways South team will be reconstructing and resurfacing highways from now until the end of March as daylight hours increase, and the warmer temperatures and dry air help new seals stick as intended to the road surface,” he says. “Major construction and resurfacing work are not possible in Southland outside of this time due to our cooler temperatures.”

The first road rehabilitation projects began mid-September near Wallacetown, in Lowther and early October Centre Bush. There is asphalting planned for inner-city Invercargill in the New Year also, with details being finalised. All work is funded through the State Highway Maintenance and Pothole Prevention activity classes in the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).

Before the end of the season in March, Highways South is aiming to complete 11 projects:

SH1 Bluff highway at Kekeno Place

SH6 Dipton-Winton highway at Centre Bush

SH6 Five Rivers-Lumsden highway south of Five Rivers

SH6 Athol-Five Rivers highway at Jollies Hill

SH94 Mossburn-Lumsden highway east of Mossburn township

SH94 Te Anau-Mossburn highway west of Mossburn

SH94 Lumsden-Riversdale highway west of Balfour

SH96 Glencoe highway at Brydone-Glencoe Road

SH99 at Lorneville overbridge

SH99 Riverton Wallacetown highway west of Wallacetown

SH99 Main Road Tuatapere at Jenkins Road.

“NZTA and our Highways South crews acknowledge that this work will cause disruption and appreciates the patience of our community,” says Mr Reid. “Give them a wave and keep the mood on the highways relaxed this summer.