Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
With the 2025-26 summer maintenance season well underway in Marlborough, State Highway 1 Weld Pass is next in line for road rebuilding work.
Night works are planned for Weld Pass from Sunday 23 November to Friday 5 December. Work will be carried out nightly between 7pm and 5am.
Contractors will lay just under 3,500 m2 of asphalt to strengthen the road surface of Weld Pass. This will include milling/removing the old surface, before adding new layers.
They will make the most of the closure by completing other maintenance work including culvert works, clearing drains, repairing and replacing signs, and clearing vegetation.
Wayne Oldfield, Marlborough System Manager, says Weld Pass must be closed to all traffic while the work is completed.
“It is a narrow road with limited space. Resurfacing work and laying asphalt uses large machinery and it simply is not possible to allow traffic through the work site while work is underway.”
“A full closure is safer for road crews and the public. It also allows the work to be finished much faster. Doing this work during the day under stop/go, when there is more traffic would create major delays for drivers. This something we absolutely want to avoid,” Mr Oldfield says.
While there will be a midnight opening each night to allow queued traffic through the work site the closure will create delays for people travelling between Blenheim and Christchurch.
Mr Oldfield says it is essential drivers are aware of the closure and factor it into their travel plans.
“There are no suitable local road detours, meaning the only alternative route between Christchurch and Blenheim is the inland route – Lewis Pass, Murchison, St Arnaud – this is a much longer route.
“Drivers, especially those with Picton ferry connections, must be prepared. Please, do not get caught out,” Mr Oldfield says.
Drivers also need to be aware that other essential state highway maintenance work will be underway in Marlborough in the lead up to Christmas. Road users should plan ahead and check the NZTA Journey Planner.
Mr Oldfield says further maintenance work is planned for Weld Pass in the New Year, but will be carried out under stop/go traffic management.
“Weld Pass is a vital part of State Highway 1 in Marlborough, and it is essential it is regularly maintained and serviced. We will provide further updates before work begins.”
Works schedule
- Sunday 23 November to Friday 5 December, 7pm to 5am. No work on the night of Saturday 29 November.
- 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 one opening each night at midnight to let queued traffic through the work area. The northbound lane will travel first, followed by the southbound lane.
- These works are weather-dependent, and schedules may change.
- Road users must follow the instructions of contractors and obey all temporary speed limits and traffic controls.
