In a statement, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said the deteriorating condition of the existing culvert, next to the SH1 Evans St-Grants Rd intersection, meant there was a pressing need for its replacement.
The work is due to start on September 8, and is expected to take about eight months to complete.
Businesses in the area will continue to operate, but there will be changes to how traffic is managed at the intersection.
The work is to be completed in two stages and a section of SH1 Evans St will be reduced to a single lane with traffic in either direction for the duration of the project.
Work will start on the eastern side of SH1 Evans St, with two lanes of traffic positioned on the western side.
There will be no exit from Grants Rd with entry only via SH1.
There will be no entry to the Showgrounds Shopping Centre via the Grants Rd intersection, with entry only via Bridge Rd.
People will still be able to exit via the Grants Rd intersection.
During the second stage, the two lanes of traffic will move to the eastern side of SH1 Evans St.
Grants Rd will be closed for the duration of this stage.
This project is said to not be about improving the SH1 Evans St-Grants Rd intersection, but ensuring it is prepared for any future improvements.
— Allied Media
