Motorists will need to wait one more day before a key intersection in Dunedin reopens, because of snow.

A right-turn lane from Strathallan St into Portsmouth Dr is being replaced by a second left-turn lane and the change is set to take effect from Wednesday.  

The change is aimed at improving traffic flow into the central city from the south.

It was due to happen on Tuesday, but contractors were busy dealing with snow, which caused dicey driving conditions in the city.

Reconfiguration of the intersection of Portsmouth Dr, Strathallan St and Wharf St is expected to improve the harbour arterial route, which is intended to operate as a bypass in the central city, particularly for heavy vehicles.

The Dunedin City Council said the change at the intersection would create more capacity and improve traffic flow in Strathallan St.

Part of Strathallan St was closed to traffic from May 18 while work at the intersection was carried out.

Upgraded traffic signals would be operational from Wednesday, the council said.

No longer will traffic be turning right from Strathallan St into Portsmouth Dr, Dunedin. The right-turn lane is being replaced by a second left-turn lane into Wharf St. The move, due to take effect on Wednesday, is expected to improve traffic flow. Photo: Gerard O'Brien

Council transport group manager Jeanine Benson said work in the area was necessary to reduce congestion.

“We are very grateful to motorists and other commuters and area businesses for their patience while we’ve made these significant safety enhancements,” she said.

The new configuration aligned with the northbound lanes in Wharf St.

“New kerbsides and median islands are among the other safety and traffic flow enhancements to the intersection, while a roundabout at Ōtaki and Orari Sts that was built earlier this year provides better, safer access to Orari St, with improved sightlines and traffic flow,” the council said in a statement.

Carparks along Strathallan St were removed to accommodate the dual approach lanes near the Portsmouth Dr intersection.

Traffic could turn right into Portsmouth Dr from Orari St or Midland St.

The harbour arterial route runs from the Caversham Bypass Motorway’s intersection with Andersons Bay Rd to the Ward St overbridge.

The project is led by the city council, in partnership with the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.