Resurfacing work on State Highway 88 at Port Chalmers in Otago, and the traffic management around it, will carry into next week because of challenges with the weather.

The original plan was to operate a single lane of traffic 24-7 on SH88/Sir John Thorn Drive from Sawyers Bay to Port Chalmers, with temporary traffic lights and a 30km/h temporary speed limit from Monday 14 September, for up to two weeks while this work was carried out. Delays up to 10 minutes were expected for road users.

Because of the recent weather conditions hindering progress, the intention now is for this traffic management to remain in place on this section of highway through until 12am on Thursday 1 October 2026. The delays of up to 10 minutes can be expected to continue through this time.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi thanks people for their patience and understanding as this essential maintenance work is completed to keep this key connection to the port in good condition.  

4 September – Important maintenance for key Otago access to Port Chalmers

Road users will need to plan around traffic management as important resurfacing work is carried out from later this month on State Highway 88 connecting Dunedin to Port Chalmers.

From 6pm on Monday 14 September, only a single lane of traffic is scheduled to be available 24-7 on SH88/Sir John Thorn Drive from Sawyers Bay to Port Chalmers, with temporary traffic lights and a 30km/h temporary speed limit in operation for up to two weeks.

SH88 is a critical route for access to Port Otago, freight movements, cruise ship visitors, and local communities, which is why maintaining the road to a good standard is essential. The work from later this month involves removing the existing road surface, rebuilding the pavement using new high-strength asphalt, and applying fresh road markings.

The traffic management approach means that access for road users can be maintained while the work is done, but delays of up to 10 minutes and some traffic queueing may be experienced. The work is timed to take place before the cruise ship season is underway and will be happening 24-7 to get it completed as quickly as possible and minimise the disruption.

Pedestrian access through the work area will be temporarily closed, with clearly signposted alternative routes provided. Occasional construction noise can also be expected.

The timing of the work may be extended or postponed at any time because of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If there is a change, this will be notified on this website.