Queenstown utility investigations programme for NZUP, multiple sites, delays possible this week

A works programme to help inform the design of the New Zealand Upgrade Programme in Queenstown will be carried out over the next few months. It includes multiple utility investigations, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Several sites will be set up along State Highway 6 and State Highway 6A starting at Ladies Mile through to Kawarau Road and Frankton Road this week.

The investigations involve digging a number of trenches to enable the team to see and document where underground services are located, says Waka Kotahi Principal Transport Planner Tony Sizemore.

Works started on Ladies Mile this week and includes the closure of one lane of Howard’s Drive (Wednesday/Thursday).  This will be followed by works on McBride Street, Gray Street and Frankton Village (from Friday).

“These works are vital to help us understand where these services are before we get to the construction stage.  Investigations will be completed in two stages until mid-December.”

Drivers are asked to build in some extra time and take care around road crews.  

• Wednesday/Thursday, 19 and 20 October: local detour in place for eastbound traffic on SH6 travelling to Lakes Hayes Estate.  From 9.00am to 4.00pm access to Lake Hayes Estate will be via the Stalker Road roundabout. An electronic notice board will be in place to remind drivers.
• Friday 21 October / Wednesday 2 November: utility investigations McBride Street and Gray Street around the Frankton Village. Work will take place between 8.00am and 5.00pm on weekdays. There will be no investigations on Monday 24 October, which is Labour Day public holiday.

Waka Kotahi thanks everyone for their patience while these preparatory works take place.

Background

Waka Kotahi is delivering the New Zealand Upgrade Programme, the Government’s $8.7 billion transport investment, announced in January 2021.

It reflects the government’s transport priorities and is focused on supporting growth, improving safety and providing travel choice across seven of the country’s growth areas including Queenstown.

The Queenstown Package provides $115 million for a range of projects on SH6 and SH6A, between Ladies Mile, Kawarau Falls Bridge and Queenstown’s town centre.

The works are being delivered for Waka Kotahi via the Kā Huanui a Tāhuna alliance in partnership with Queenstown Lakes District Council.