Getting into the groove of bridge work on SH73

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi | 8 Sep 2025 12:30pm | Canterbury

Road users can expect to encounter delays of up to 15 minutes on State Highway 73 between Arthur’s Pass and Otira next week, as grooving work is due to be completed on the McGrath Creek bridge.

The work, in which grooves will be cut into the new asphalt either side of the bridge to improve drainage and vehicle skid resistance, is due to take place from Monday 15 September to Friday 19 September, from 8am to 4pm each day. The work may be postponed if the forecast is for poor weather. If this happens, we will advise of the change.

The delays of up to 15 minutes for traffic will be dictated by the work taking place at the bridge at the time.

We thank people in advance for their patience and understanding while this necessary work is completed.     

People can stay up to date with the latest work on the state highways at our Journey Planner site.

Journey Planner(external link)

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