The SH6/SH6A intersection in Queenstown, often called the BP roundabout, will close for three nights for utility investigations for the New Zealand Upgrade Programme.
Local streets will be used as the overnight detour, suitable for all vehicles, while this work is underway.
The investigations will help inform the design of the SH6/6A intersection improvements which will create a new transport environment for Frankton.
On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights, 21-23 March, (the week after next) a full road closure will be in place overnight between 10pm and 6am. (See map below for full details)
Crews will excavate a number of narrow trenches to confirm the location of utilities and underground services. This is key to improving the accuracy of the designs prior to work starting and will reduce the likelihood of delays during construction.
Detour signs will direct traffic around Queenstown Airport in both directions, with the detour expected to take drivers about six minutes. Residents have been asked not to park on McBride St or Gray St to allow detoured traffic to travel through the area easily.
Hydrovaccing in Lucas Place previous investigations
So what is inside the ground under the road? It pays to know before you dig with a large machine and have services well mapped beforehand
Waka Kotahi's Director Regional Relationships James Caygill acknowledged night works are disruptive, particularly for residents in the area, but stressed it is unavoidable in some instances.
“Due to the high traffic volumes through Frankton - up to 25,000 vehicles per day - and restrictions on the state highway it’s not possible to close the road during the day, so these essential works need to be completed at night,” he says.
“We considered a partial or stop-go closure but it was ruled out as traffic modelling showed vehicles would move more efficiently via the proposed detour.
“A full closure for three nights means works can be completed more quickly – rather than multiple partial closures over an extended period.”
To add to efficiencies, other works are being incorporated including installing new cabling, trenching and sealing around the SH6/6A intersection, he adds.
Residents and businesses have been advised that noisy work will be completed where possible in one go at the start of the nightshift to limit noise later in the evening/early morning.
Access for Emergency Services and residents will also remain - they will be escorted through the site by crews.
To find out more about the NZ Upgrade Programme improvements visit the Waka Kotahi project website at https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/nz-upgrade-programme-queenstown-package/(external link)
