Marlborough roundabouts to be wrapped up for Christmas

The end of construction is in sight for new roundabouts being built on State Highway 6 near the Blenheim Airport.

The project is delivering improvements to the highway between Woodbourne and Springlands, with work ongoing since the beginning of this year.

One roundabout has already been completed, Saint Leonards Road and Bells Road, and a second one is under construction at the intersection of Tancred Crescent and State Highway 6.

Jetesh Bhula, Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery, says the project is about to step up another gear, with sealing work planned  for late this month and early December.

“Both roundabouts need to be sealed. With an ultra-fine seal that is best for skid resistance at the roundabouts. We are in the final stages of this project, and the result will be safer intersections. One that allows drivers better access onto and across State Highway 6.”

“However, this work will require some extra road closures, and road users, residents, and businesses must know what’s happening and when. This is why we want to inform people what’s planned well in advance,” Mr Bhula says.

There will be a road closure on SH6 at St Leonard and Bells Road roundabout for sealing work during the day and night. For the Marlborough Airport roundabout, this will be completed during the evening with SH6 remaining closed in one direction along with Tancred Crescent being closed.

Mr Bhula says the Bells/ St Leonard Roads roundabout will be done first, from 29 November to 1 December during the day and night. Contractors are aiming to complete sealing works on the State Highway/Tancred Crescent from 3 to 4 December during the night to avoid interfering with travellers getting into and out of the airport.

“We understand the significant impact the sealing works and road closure will have. That’s why we are doing it during a weekend when there is less traffic on the road.  We will also ensure residents retain access to properties around the St Leonards/Bells Road roundabout.”

“Local road detours will be available, and we ask drivers to use the routes recommended. They are carefully chosen and are the best and safest options. Please use them,” Mr Bhula says.

The detours will mean extra travel time. Drivers must factor this into their journeys. Access will also be maintained through the work areas for emergency services.

Residents close to the work site will experience noise, lights, and vibration while the work is being undertaken. NZTA/Waka Kotahi apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

Works schedule and detour routes

SH6 - Bells and St Leonards Roads Roundabout – day and night road closure:

• 10 pm Friday, 29 November to midnight Sunday, 1 December
• SH6 CLOSED between Jacksons Road and Westwood Avenue
• Detour via Old Renwick Road and Murphys Road. If travelling from Blenheim, detour via Murphys Road, Old Renwick Road, Jacksons Road onto the existing SH6 one-way closure
• Access into the Airport and NZ Defence Force base via Jacksons Road
• All heavy vehicles need to use Hutcheson Street (not Murphys Road)
• People travelling between Nelson and Blenheim are recommended to use SH62 and SH1 and avoid SH6 and Woodbourne.

View larger image [PNG, 398 KB]

SH6 - Tancred Crescent roundabout (outside the Airport) – night works:

• Weekday night works planned for early December (currently scheduled for Tuesday 3 and 4 December, with the following week Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 December contingency)
• Please note dates may change if there is bad weather
• Tancred Crescent (entry into the airport and base) will be CLOSED
• The current set up on SH6 will be in place, which is a one direction lane closure between Jacksons Road and Caldwell Road West. (Eastbound direction is closed)
• Work will take place between 9.00pm and 4.30am, to avoid flight times
• Emergency services including the fire and emergency based at the airport and emergency flights will always be catered for
• People travelling from Nelson/Renwick into Blenheim will need to take a detour. The detour will be via Old Renwick Road and Jacksons Road for light vehicles
• Heavy vehicles will need to take the same route to Anglesea Street, then left onto Boyce Street and onto SH6. Right onto Rapaura Road/SH62, right on Jacksons Road and back onto SH6.

Current detour on SH6/Tancred Cres Roundabout (please note entrance to the airport both the temporary road out of the airport and Tancred Cres will be CLOSED during the night works while sealing work is underway).

View larger image [PNG, 400 KB]

More information

SH6 Middle Renwick Road/Tancred Cres roundabout