Wye River road reconstruction coming for State Highway 63

A better road and safer travel are coming for drivers using State Highway 63 near the Wye River.

Road reconstruction work is planned for the highway between Wairau Valley and Birch Hill for three weeks in December.

Road crews will be on the job from Monday, 2 December, through to Friday, 20 December. 

Mark Owen, Regional Manager Wellington/Top of the South, says it is an integral part of the state highway summer maintenance programme.

"State Highway 63 is a critical transport link between Blenheim and the West Coast. It is also a key part of network resilience as it is the main alternative route to Nelson if State Highway 6 closes."

"Keeping it in good repair is essential for residents, businesses, and the freight industry. This is why a long-term fix, like a road rebuild, is critical. It improves the route's resilience, reduces future maintenance demands, and makes it safer," Mr Owen says.

The work will be carried out during the day from Monday to Friday under stop/go traffic controls. Drivers will need to factor in around 10-minute delays through the area.

Mr Owen says temporary speed limits will be in place while the repairs are underway.

"Drivers must follow these speed limits. They keep drivers and road crews safe, protect the road surface, and prevent vehicle damage. Speeding through road works sites isn't good for anyone."

And Mr Owen says drivers must plan for the short delays the road works will cause.

"If you are driving between Renwick and St Arnaud, allow an extra 20 minutes for your journey. Just to make sure you get to your destination on time."

He acknowledges there are a lot of road works in the region in the run-up to Christmas. But Mr Owen says the timing is carefully chosen.

"This work can only be done when the weather is warm and dry. Road rebuilds and resurfacing need these conditions to be durable and effective."

"We are doing our absolute best to reduce their impact. This is why it is happening after Marlborough Anniversary weekend and will be completed before the busy Christmas holiday season. We want the road to be clear when traffic is at its busiest," Mr Owen says.

Works schedule

• Monday, 2 December to Friday, 20 December 2024. Weekdays 7 am – 5 pm (no night-time or weekend work).
• Stop/go controls and a 30 km/h temporary speed limit will be in place during work hours. Expect delays of up to 10 minutes at this site but allow an extra 20 minutes travel time on SH63 between Renwick and St Arnaud due to other work sites.
• A 30 km/h reduced temporary speed limit will remain in place outside of work hours.
• Access for emergency services will be available at all times.

View larger map [PNG, 279 KB]

Summer maintenance season - tips and advice

• The work is part of the $147 million 2024/27 National Land Transport Programme investment in state highways across the top of the South Island.
• Drivers need to be aware other summer maintenance and resilience works are happening around the region.
• Due to the number of worksites on each corridor we recommend allowing an extra 45 minutes travel time on State Highway 6 between Nelson and West Coast and State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim.We recommend allowing an extra 60-minutes travel time on State Highway 1 between Picton and Christchurch.
• Drivers should check road conditions before they travel as knowing when and where road works are happening means you can time your travel to avoid them or allow extra time for your trip.
• Whenever you come to a worksite, remember that our road workers are doing their best to complete their work and keep you moving. Please be respectful and follow their advice and instructions.
• National Land Transport Programme 2024/27. Top of the South Regional Investment Summary [PDF, 230 KB]
• State Highway maintenance – Frequently Asked Questions
• Tips for driving through worksites (video)(external link)