More than 100 lane kilometres of state highway renewals will be completed across Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough during the summer maintenance season.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi says work will increase from October and continue until April 2027, covering road rebuilding, asphalt resurfacing, chipsealing and repairs.
The programme includes 107 lane kilometres of renewals, comprising 80 lane kilometres in Nelson and Tasman and 27 in Marlborough.
It forms part of a $147 million investment in Top of the South state highways through the 2024–27 National Land Transport Programme.
NZTA South Island regional director Peter Brown says the programme will be delivered alongside continuing recovery and resilience projects.
“There is a substantial programme planned across the Top of the South this summer, alongside ongoing recovery and resilience work across the region,” Brown says.
“Where possible, we will combine inspections, repairs and resilience projects with road rebuilds and resurfacing to minimise disruption for road users.”
SH6 work to affect West Coast journeys
Several worksites are planned on State Highway 6 south of Nelson, including Wai-iti, Wakefield, Whangamoa Saddle and areas between Wakefield and Murchison.
Resilience work is also planned at Granity Narrows and Hope Saddle.
Brown says motorists travelling between Nelson and the West Coast should expect delays and allow additional time.
Recovery work on the cliff face above SH6 Rocks Road remains on schedule for completion in November, ahead of the busy summer travel period.
Work is also planned around the SH6 and SH60 Three Brothers intersection near the roundabout.
Tākaka Hill and Lewis Pass disruption
NZTA intends to combine maintenance, inspection and resilience work on SH60 over Tākaka Hill.
Brown says using a closure will create a greater short-term impact but allow the work to be completed more quickly and efficiently.
Other SH60 sites include Puramahoi, while work is also planned on SH65 at Shenandoah and SH63 near St Arnaud.
Motorists using SH7 Lewis Pass should prepare for delays of up to 20 minutes during the rebuilding of a 6.3km section between the St James Walkway car park and Maruia Hot Springs.
The work is scheduled to run from October 12 until December 11 and will affect traffic in both directions.
SH1 work planned around Blenheim
A road rebuild north of Tuamarina at Nolans Crossing has been completed.
Further SH1 work is planned south of Riverlands and on Grove Road in Blenheim.
Night closures are expected on Weld Pass in early 2027, while chipsealing will be carried out at several sites between Ward and Picton.
Additional Marlborough worksites include Delta Lakes Heights and areas near Lake Argyle on SH63, Havelock township and Pelorus Bridge on SH6.
The NZTA bridge inspection unit will inspect seven bridges across Marlborough and Tasman between December 6 and 10.
Brown says travellers with ferry bookings, flights or important appointments should check road conditions before leaving.
“A few minutes of planning can help avoid delays, stress and missed ferry sailings, flights or appointments,” he says.
Road rebuilding, resurfacing and chipsealing are generally carried out during warmer and drier weather because the materials set more effectively.
“Road renewals and resealing are completed during warmer, drier months because the materials perform better and produce longer-lasting results,” Brown says.
“Winter conditions are just not suitable for permanent repairs.”
Resealing restores the waterproof layer of the road and helps prevent water from entering the pavement and causing potholes and other damage.
Because the programme is weather dependent, work schedules may change.
NZTA says motorists must follow temporary speed restrictions and traffic signs around worksites to protect workers and allow new road surfaces to settle properly.
