Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Drivers can look forward to easier and safer travels once road reconstruction work on State Highway 6 near Canvastown is wrapped up.
Contractors will be on the job near Canvastown for four weeks beginning Monday 11 November. The work will continue through to Friday 6 December.
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.
Rob Service, System Manager Top of the South, expects the long-term repairs will be good news for residents and drivers.
“We’ve previously carried out a number of temporary patches on this section of road. Now we’re doing something that will be much longer lasting.”
“The pavement has reached the end of its life. Rebuilding the road will make the highway safer, travel easier, and reduce maintenance needed over the coming years. Yes, there will be delays now – but looking ahead, drivers can expect fewer problems,” Mr Service says.
As part of the work, contractors will widen the right-hand side of the road and improve drainage before building the road back up again and resurfacing it with chipseal.
The work will be carried out during the day from Monday to Friday under stop/go traffic controls. Drivers will need to factor in around 10-minute delays through the area.
Rob Service says temporary speed limits will be in place to keep road crews and drivers safe while the repairs are underway.
“We understand this work, along with other road work sites on State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim in November, will cause disruption and delays for many people who live on and drive on this road.”
“If you are driving between Nelson and Blenheim, allow an extra 45 minutes for your journey. This is especially important for people with medical appointments in Nelson or Blenheim, or those with Picton ferry connections,” Mr Service says.
And he says every effort is being made to do the work at the best time possible.
“Road works like this must be done during spring, summer, and early autumn, during the warmer, drier months. It can’t be done during winter when the weather is wet and cold. Not if you want the work to be durable and effective.”
“We’ve timed the work to begin after Marlborough Anniversary weekend and to be completed before the busy Christmas holiday season. That means the road will be clear when traffic is at its busiest,” Mr Service says.
Works schedule
- The work site location is approximately 2 km prior to Canvastown when travelling from Blenheim.
- Work is from Monday, 11 November, to Friday, 6 December 2024.
- Working hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday (no night-time or weekend work).
- Stop/go controls and a 30km/h reduced temporary speed limit in place during work hours. Expect delays of up to 10 minutes at this site but allow an extra 45 minutes travel time on SH6 between Nelson and Blenheim due to other work sites.
- A 30km/h reduced temporary speed limit will remain in place outside of work hours.
Summer maintenance season tips and advice
- Drivers need to be aware other summer maintenance and resilience works are happening around the region.
- Due to the number of worksites on each corridor we recommend allowing an extra 45 minutes travel time on State Highway 6 between Nelson and West Coast and State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim.
- We recommend allowing an extra 60-minutes travel time on State Highway 1 between Picton and Christchurch.
- Drivers should check road conditions before they travel as knowing when and where road works are happening means you can time your travel to avoid them or allow extra time for your trip.
- Whenever you come to a worksite, remember that our road workers are doing their best to complete their work and keep you moving. Please be respectful and follow their advice and instructions.
State highway summer maintenance – Top of the South Island
State highway maintenance frequently asked questions
