The NZ Transport Agency advises motorists to allow extra time when travelling on State Highway 1 in Mid and South Canterbury early this week as an annual bridge inspection programme gets underway in the area.
Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed restriction will be in pace while contractors inspect five state highway bridges this week. Delays are expected on SH1 in Ashburton today (Monday, 19 March), SH1 in Temuka and Timaru (for Port Traffic) tomorrow (Tuesday, 20 March.)
“The inspections are carried out from a truck with a mobile platform to allow workers to access areas under the bridge. Vehicles will be directed around the inspection area with stop/go traffic management,” says Transport Agency Network Manager John Keenan.
Contractors will monitor traffic to ensure delays are as short as possible during these inspections, however motorists are advised to allow at least an extra 15 minutes for their journey during this time. The work is weather dependent.
Bridge inspections will continue on SH82 Hakataramea Highway next week at the two new Waitaki River Bridges near Kurow, Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 March from 8am to 5pm each day.
“Thanks to all drivers and road users for building in some extra time while this work is completed,” says Mr Keenan.
