Timaru District Council contracted Fulton Hogan Electrical to complete the upgrade, which includes removing and replacing all poles and lanterns and installing a new electronic controller cabinet.
In a statement, the council’s land transport general manager Suzy Ratahi said the intersection would remain open during the upgrade, which was expected to take around three weeks to complete.
"A single traffic lane in each direction will operate while work is under way, which will restrict normal turning movements and may cause brief delays.
"Temporary traffic signals and other traffic management measures will be in place to guide motorists and pedestrians safely through the work site.
"This work forms part of council’s planned asset renewal programme to maintain a safe, reliable, and cost-effective traffic signal network.
"The current equipment is now at a point where [if we were to keep it running] it would lower efficiency, leading to significant safety concerns and greater maintenance costs."
Alpine Energy and the council’s drainage and water unit would be working within the site at the same time, undertaking electrical network upgrades and replacing stormwater pipes.
Following the upgrade, Fulton Hogan Civil is scheduled to complete footpath replacement at the four corners of the intersection during June.
All work was expected to be completed by the first week of July. — Allied Media
