Contractors will resume essential maintenance work on State Highway 1, Weld Pass, in October as the summer maintenance season continues in Marlborough.

The work is part of the $147 million 2024/27 National Land Transport Programme investment in state highways across the top of the South Island. 

Night works are planned for Weld Pass from 20 to 23 October (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights) between 8 pm and 6 am.

Mark Owen, Regional Manager Wellington/Top of the South, says it means Weld Pass will be closed to all traffic while the work is completed.

“Our contractors will carry out culvert replacements, drainage, guardrail and pre-seal repairs and stabilisation work. They will also install raised line markings, clear surface water channelling and shoulder edge breaks, and complete other general works. 

“Because of the work involved and the fact the highway through Weld Pass is narrow, night closures are the best way to get the work done as quickly and safely as possible. The quicker we can finish the work, the less disruption road users will face,” Mr Owen says.

Mr Owen says regular maintenance is crucial and reduces the delays drivers can face in the long term.

“It’s the same as servicing your car or repainting your house. Regular maintenance prevents bigger problems down the track.”.

While there will be a midnight opening each night to allow queued traffic through to work site, Mr Owen warns the closure will create delays for people travelling between Blenheim and Christchurch.

“It is essential drivers are aware of the closure and factor it into their travel plans. It is especially critical for people with ferry connections as the inland route is a significantly longer trip.” 

“We’re doing all we can to reduce the impact of the road works which is why we have timed the work to avoid the upcoming public holiday weekends including Labour weekend and Marlborough Anniversary weekend, and the Christmas holiday season.”

Road users are reminded of other minor summer maintenance works, and resilience works happening around the region including daytime works on SH63 in the Wairau Valley.

Further maintenance work and night closures are planned for Weld Pass over the next six to nine months. Further updates will be provided ahead of planned works in January/February and late April/May next year. 

Works schedule - Sunday, 20 October, Monday 21 October, Tuesday 22 October and Wednesday 23 October. 8 pm to 6 am. Full road closure - no suitable local road detours available. An alternative route to Christchurch is via the inland route – St Arnaud, Murchison, Lewis Pass. This is a significantly longer route and has much longer travel times.