Detour for alternate highway
The drive between Picton and Christchurch will temporarily be 40 minutes longer next week, as necessary repairs to a well-used bridge on State Highway 65 are undertaken.
The NZ Transport Agency is closing a section of the Shenandoah Highway to conduct overnight repairs on the Williscroft Bridge between Springs Junction and Maruia.
The work will take place from 8pm on Sunday, November 12, through to 6am on Monday ,November 13.
In the event of rain, the work will be postponed until the next dry night opportunity.
The Shenandoah Highway, at 71 kilometres long, is a key part of the alternate route between Picton and Christchurch.
Large volumes of traffic have crossed the bridge, which crosses the over the Maruia River north of Springs Junction village, since the November 14 earthquake and was showing signs of wear.
NZTA journey manager Tresca Forrester said the increased volumes meant frequent maintenance and repairs were needed along the entire alternative route.
To maintain traffic flow during the works period, a 129km detour route from Murchison to Springs Junction has been put in place.
Forrester said the detour through Inangahua and Reefton would add 40 minutes to the journey.
‘‘The highway will be well signposted at the Murchison and Springs Junction ends with manned checkpoints so drivers are aware of the full closure,’’ she said.
‘‘We encourage anyone taking this route to build in regular breaks in places like Murchison and Springs Junction to avoid getting tired.’’