A long-awaited upgrade to a key State Highway 1 intersection is now underway after government support for the project.

Contractors on behalf of the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) have this week started work on upgrading the site in Timaru between SH1/Evans Street, Grants Road and the Showgrounds Shopping Centre, following the successful completion of other necessary roading work at the intersection. 

“The state of the intersection has not only been an issue for those travelling on SH1, it’s been a barrier to further commercial development in the region,” says NZTA maintenance and operations regional manager, Peter Brown.

“With the government having committed funding through the Regional Infrastructure Fund, and a funding contribution from the local developer Timaru Showgrounds Limited, I’m pleased to say work is now underway. The upgrade will include a new southbound lane on SH1, rebuilt and stronger road surfaces, enhanced traffic signals and safer crossing areas for pedestrians and cyclists.”

“The upgrade will make it easier and safer to travel through the busy intersection, or to access the growing shopping area, while also improving efficiency and productivity. It will also help enable further commercial development at the Showgrounds site for the region.”

“Contractors will be working on one side of the road at a time to reduce disruption. One lane in each direction will remain open through the intersection where possible. The upgrade is expected to be complete by the middle of this year.”

“This upgrade follows the successful completion of other work needed at the intersection, including the replacement of the Taitarakihi culvert, and work on underground utilities on behalf of the Timaru District Council while traffic management has been in place.”

“We appreciate people have been putting up with roadworks at the intersection for some time now and we thank them for the patience they have shown. The good news is that we are in sight now of significant improvements at the intersection.”