Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is advising Tasman and Nelson drivers to expect delays and a longer journey time going through Richmond, SH6, this weekend and the days after.
Highway sealing and widening work is needed on one kilometre of the Richmond Deviation ahead of the installation of median flexible safety barriers, to help prevent head-on crashes.
This work was originally scheduled for late last year but was postponed due to other events in the lead-up to Christmas.
- Work will be underway both Saturday and Sunday, 6 am to 6 pm, on the Richmond Deviation.
- Detours will be in place each day from 6 am until 1 pm.
- Even after the sealing work, speeds will remain at 30 km/hour to ensure the new chip beds in place properly until Wednesday night, 16 February.
The highway will be reduced to a single lane with southbound traffic (towards Richmond) detoured Saturday morning to 1 pm and northbound traffic (towards Nelson) detoured on Sunday at the same time. The detour route is via McGlashen Ave, Talbot St and Salisbury Road.
Crews will re-seal one side of the highway each day, making the most of the summer weather needed for a successful seal. A wide flush centreline is also being installed, increasing the distance between opposing lanes of traffic.
The weekend time has been chosen as traffic volumes are lower than weekdays, disrupting fewer people.
People should be prepared for significant delays all weekend and through until Wednesday night. If possible, arrange essential travel outside the peak hours, says Waka Kotahi Journey Manager Tresca Forrester.
Waka Kotahi thanks all cyclists, drivers and people living on the detour route for their patience while this work is underway.
- Even outside the lane closure times, highway lane widths will be restricted and speeds reduced through the work site.
- For two days or so after the work is completed, speeds will continue to be lowered to help bed in the seal and avoid flying wet chip.
- The separated cycle path, part of the Great Taste Trail, will not be affected.
- If it is wet 12 and 13 February, this work will move to the following weekend 19 and 20 February.
Southbound Saturday detour below (northbound Sunday reverse arrows):
The big picture – safety
For more information on the benefits of safety barriers, visit Flexible road safety barriers(external link).
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