Delays, detours for SH1 motorists as roadworks to start through Mid Canterbury

Wednesday, 26 March 2025

NZTA asks motorists to consider alternate inland routes or face delays of up to an hour as State Highway 1 roadworks get under way in Ealing.

The sudden availability of contractors means a major project to resurface SH1 through Mid Canterbury will start next week, with motorists facing delays and detours for a month.

NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Mid Canterbury maintenance contract manager Chris Chambers said, a stretch of road, just north of the Rangitata Bridge, would be resealed with work to start on Monday.

He said the section of SH1 being repaired was part of a larger reseal in May 2024.

“Unfortunately, only some sections of this work provided a lasting seal hence this rework.”

The work was scheduled to coincide with the school holidays, which start on April 11 and run through until April 28. This period included Easter and Anzac Day.

A roading contractor became available at short notice and that was the reason for the late notification, Chambers said.

Temporary traffic signals and Stop/Go signs will control traffic movements on the single available lane at the roadworks site between 7am and 6pm. (File photo)

“We apologise for the lack of forewarning, but given the availability, we hope to make the most of this late summer sealing opportunity,” Chambers said.

Motorists have been warned they could face delays of up to an hour while the work was carried out, and the agency had asked light vehicles to consider using alternate inland routes.

“Temporary traffic signals and Stop/Go will control traffic movements on the single available lane during daytime hours – 7am to 6pm.

“However, closer to the time of surfacing Stop/Go is also likely to be implemented overnight to protect the surface prior to final sealing.”

NZTA could use traffic management to avoid long delays on the single lane Upper Orari Bridge, near Geraldine, during the work. (File photo)

An alternate route for light vehicles travelling north was available by turning left onto SH79 at Rangitata, and for those travelling south by turning off at Hinds Arundel Rd at Hinds.

This would add about 25 minutes more to the journey.

“SH79 has been resealed in recent weeks so will be suitable for all traffic by March 31,” he said.

Drivers of light vehicles can take the alternative inland route between Hinds and Rangitata, SH79, to avoid having to queue north of the Rangitata Bridge.

Traffic control could be used at the single lane Upper Orari Bridge to ensure people were not unduly delayed on the alternate route, he said.

He said northbound drivers of light vehicles could take a detour before Rangitata by taking Scenic Route 72 (the Geraldine-Arundel Rd) from Winchester into Geraldine and then rejoin SH1 at Hinds, or further north.

Drivers of heavy vehicles were asked to remain on SH1 given the fragile state of Scenic Route 72 due to flood damage.

However, Chambers said there would be no work over the Easter Weekend or public holidays, with crews to restore the area to two lanes at midday on Thursday, April 17.

“NZTA thanks all drivers for planning their journeys around this section of work and taking the inland route whenever possible.”