Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Nelson residents and drivers are encouraged to plan ahead so they are not caught out by maintenance works on State Highway 6, Whakatu Drive, next month.
The highway will be closed between McGlashen Avenue and the Quarantine Road roundabout for up to ten nights between 17 and 29 September.
This is to allow for asphalting work on the Link Road roundabout and the Link Road extension. A local road detour will be available for all traffic.
Once asphalting work is complete, road markings will be reinstated under night works with stop/go controls and a 30 km/h speed limit.
Rob Service, System Manager Top of the South, says it is essential maintenance and vital for keeping the highway up to standard for all road users.
“Whakatu Drive is a crucial infrastructure link for Nelson and Tasman. Regular maintenance like this is the best way to avoid substantial repairs, which can potentially have a bigger impact on road users.”
“We understand that closures can be disruptive. We are minimising its impact as much as possible by carrying out this work in the evenings when there is less traffic on the state highway,” Mr Service says.
He warns drivers must factor the work into their travel plans.
“While the work is at night and traffic will be lighter, this is still a main route between Nelson and Tasman. Please be aware of the work and adjust your travel accordingly, as the detours will mean slightly longer travel times.”
As well as the asphalting works, contractors will repair damaged guardrails and wire barriers, fix damaged signs, clear weeds and overgrown vegetation, and carry out other general maintenance as required.
The shared path next to the highway will remain open for cyclists and pedestrians in both directions. Access for people travelling to and from Nelson Airport will remain in place via the Quarantine Road roundabout and Quarantine Road.
Works schedule and detour route:
- 17-29 September, 8 pm to 5 am excluding Saturday, 23 September.
- State Highway 6, Whakatu Drive, will be closed in both directions, between Quarantine roundabout and McGlashen Avenue.
- The recommended detour route for southbound traffic is between State Highway 6, Annesbrook Drive, Main Road Stoke, Salisbury Road, Talbot Street, Croucher Street, McGlashen Ave, and State Highway 6. Northbound traffic will travel the same detour route in the opposite direction.
- This detour is expected to add up to eight minutes to travel times.
- The detour route has temporarily been approved by Nelson City and Tasman District councils for use by heavy vehicles.
