Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
State Highway 1 Weld Pass in southern Marlborough will be the site of summer state highway maintenance works next month.
Night works are planned for the route from 18 to 20 February (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights) between 8pm and 6am.
Weld Pass will be closed to all traffic while the work is underway.
Contractors will be carrying out road repairs, fixing road signs and guardrails, installing raised line markings, as well as investigating future options for improving and maintaining the highway’s road surface.”
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 work has been planned as carefully as possible to have the least impact on traffic, and there will be two openings every night to let queued traffic through the work areas – one at midnight and another at 3am. These are deliberately timed to fit with ferry schedules.
There are no suitable local road detours available, so the closures will create delays for those travelling overnight between Christchurch and Blenheim/Picton. The inland route via SH7 Lewis Pass, SH65 Springs Junction, SH6 Murchison – Howard Junction, and SH63 Wairau Valley is the only alternative route and has a much longer travel time.
Drivers are urged to factor the closures into their travel plans and allow extra time for their journeys. This is especially important for drivers with ferry connections.
Further maintenance and inspection work is planned for Weld Pass this year.
More night closures are planned for late April/early May to ensure the highway is in good shape before winter. Another maintenance closure is scheduled for October.
Weld Pass is a vital part of State Highway 1 in Marlborough, and it is essential it is regularly maintained and serviced.
Works schedule
- Sunday 18 February, Monday 19 February, and Tuesday 20 February. 8pm to 6am.
- 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.
- There will be two openings of the road every night – one at midnight and one at 3am – to let queued traffic through the work area. The northbound lane will travel first, followed by the southbound lane.
- If works are delayed due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, Wednesday 21 February will be a contingency night.
- Road users must follow the instructions of contractors and obey all temporary speed limits and traffic controls.
