A section of State Highway 1/Hinds Highway south of Ashburton that has been badly affected by potholes after recent storms will be rebuilt from next week, but it will mean delays for road users.

Road users will have to stop on demand from 6am on Monday 14 September, through to 6am Friday 18 September, while only a single lane is available and a temporary 30km/h speed limit is in place on SH1 between the intersections of Thews Road and Longbeach Road. People can expect delays of up to 45 minutes during the day at peak times, and up to 20 minutes at night, and so planning ahead and allowing more travel time is strongly encouraged.

While these delays will be disruptive, the payoff is that the improvement/future-proofing of the highway will be significant. The stabilisation, rebuild of the road and new chipseal will make it more durable and resistant to rutting and potholes that became widespread after a heavy rain event in July when water infiltrated the road seal.

From 6am on Friday 18 September through to 6am Monday 21 September, this section of highway will be restored to two lanes but with the 30km/h speed limit still in place.

From 6am on Monday 21 September, a single lane will operate again with road users having to stop on demand. From Tuesday 22 September onwards, people can expect two lanes of traffic to be restored but the temporary speed limit reduction will remain in place for a couple of days while the new chipseal on the highway beds in.

Access to properties may be affected at times but roading crews will be able to assist with specific needs. The work is being done from next week because the weather forecasts suggest a window of suitable weather. If the weather or other factors require a change to the schedule, notification will be provided.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) thanks people for their patience and understanding while this important work is completed.