25 November – Traffic changes for new phase of SH1 work in Timaru

Replacement of the Taitarakihi culvert on State Highway 1 in Timaru, near the Showgrounds Shopping Centre, is due to move into a new phase of work from this weekend, meaning adjustments for traffic through the area.

Since September, work has been underway to replace the deteriorated culvert next to the SH1 Evans Street/Grants Road intersection. This has meant changes to traffic movements, specifically two lanes of traffic positioned on the western side of SH1 Evans Street, so that work could happen on the eastern side.

There has been no exit from Grants Road, with entry only via SH1 Evans Street. There has also been no entry to the Showgrounds Shopping Centre via the Grants Road intersection, with entry only via Bridge Road.

Weather-permitting, from Saturday morning (29 November), work on the culvert replacement will shift to the western side of SH1 Evans Street and traffic lanes will be positioned to the eastern side. Road users are asked to take care as they get used to the new road markings, and to drive to the reduced speed limit.

In addition to the traffic lane shifts from Saturday, access to Grants Road from SH1 Evan Street will be closed. Both entry to and exit from the Showground Shopping Centre will be available at the Grants Road intersection from Saturday (see map below).

These new arrangements are due to continue through to 18 December, when there will be a break from the work for the holiday season. Work is due to recommence in early January.

The culvert replacement project is expected to up to eight months, and we thank people for their patience. Stay up to date our Journey Planner site.

25 August - Culvert replacement work to get underway in Timaru

Work to replace the Taitarakihi culvert on State Highway 1 in Timaru, near the Showgrounds Shopping Centre, is due to begin early next month and road users will need to adjust to temporary traffic changes at the site.

The deteriorating condition of the existing culvert, next to the SH1 Evans Street/Grants Road intersection, means there is a pressing need for its replacement. The work is due to start on Monday 8 September, and is expected to take about eight months to complete.

Businesses in the area can continue to operate, but there will be changes to how traffic is managed at the intersection. The work will be completed in two stages and a section of SH1 Evans Street will reduce to a single lane with traffic in either direction for the duration of the project.

Work will start on the eastern side of SH1 Evans Street, with two lanes of traffic positioned on the western side. There will be no exit from Grants Road with entry only via SH1. There will be no entry to the Showgrounds Shopping Centre via the Grants Road intersection, with entry only via Bridge Road. People will still be able to exit via the Grants Road intersection.

During the second stage, the two lanes of traffic will move to the eastern side of SH1 Evans Street. Grants Road will be closed for the duration of this stage.

This project is not about improving the SH1 Evans Street/Grants Road intersection but will ensure it is prepared for any future improvements.

We thank people in advance for their patience and understanding as we complete this necessary work. To find out more about roadworks affecting travel on state highways, you can visit our Journey Planner site.