Plan for delays next week, 21 and 22 February south of Nelson, Richmond Deviation

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is advising Tasman and Nelson drivers to expect delays and a longer journey time going through Richmond, SH6, on Monday and possibly also Tuesday, 21 and 22 February.

Highway sealing and widening work is needed on one kilometre of the Richmond Deviation ahead of the installation of median flexible safety barriers, to help prevent head-on crashes.

This work was originally scheduled for late last year but was postponed due to other events in the lead-up to Christmas. Wet weather has forced the dates to shift out twice now.

• Detours will be in place each day from 9 am until 4 pm, unless the work can be completed on Monday.

• Even after the sealing work, speeds will remain at 30 km/hour to ensure the new chip beds in place properly.

The detour route is via McGlashen Ave, Talbot St and Salisbury Road.

If possible, arrange essential travel outside the peak hours, says Waka Kotahi Journey Manager Tresca Forrester.

Waka Kotahi thanks all cyclists, drivers and people living on the detour route for their patience while this work is underway.

• Even outside the lane closure times, highway lane widths will be restricted and speeds reduced through the work site.
• For two days or so after the work is completed, speeds will continue to be lowered to help bed in the seal and avoid flying wet chip.
• The separated cycle path, part of the Great Taste Trail, will not be affected.

The big picture - safety

Flexible road safety barriers(external link)

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• COVID-19 services update: nzta.govt.nz/COVID19(external link)
• Traffic updates: nzta.govt.nz/traffic(external link)
• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTASouthIsland(external link) 
• Twitter Top of the South: twitter.com/WakaKotahiTOTS(external link) 
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link) 
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)