Road users will notice some temporary traffic changes as the surface of State Highway 1 is investigated in preparation for Canterbury’s new Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass (B2P).

The work on SH1 between SH71 Lineside Road and Williams Street as well as around the Pegasus roundabout and the SH1/Williams Street intersection, is due to start on Friday 3 October. It involves digging small holes in selected areas of the road surface to examine the layers underneath.

These investigations will help the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) understand the condition and thickness of the existing road layers so that it can design a safe, durable tie-in with the new road.

The temporary traffic management will include lane shifts and night-time detours while work is underway. Road users should follow directions from the on-site signage. The equipment used for the road surface testing is mostly handheld machinery and is not expected to be excessively noisy.

The specifics of work locations and timings are as follows:

Pegasus roundabout

• From 3 October, for approximately five days, work will take place on the approaches to the Pegasus roundabout during off peak daytime hours (9am – 4pm).
• To keep traffic moving safely, lanes will shift. Please follow signage. 

SH1 south of Lineside Road

• From 8 and 9 October, work will be carried out in the southbound lane of SH1 near Ohoka Road during off peak daytime hours (9am-6pm).
• One of the southbound lanes will close during the work. Please follow signage.

SH1 between SH71 Lineside Road and Williams Street – night work

• From 13 October, night works will begin between 9pm and 5am on the section of SH1 between Lineside Road and Williams Street.
• The northbound and southbound lanes will close one direction at a time while work is underway.
• Detours will be in place via Smith Street and Williams Street.
• Work will begin on the northbound lane for approximately three nights, then switch to the southbound lane for approximately four nights.
• Electronic message boards will advise of lane closures 7 days before work starts.
• Work will also be carried out at the SH1/Williams Street intersection.
• Access to Pineacres Restaurant and Bar will be maintained throughout the works.

All of the work is expected to be completed by 20 October. However, the timing of this work may shift slightly depending on the construction programme and weather conditions. 

Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass project(external link)