Contractors on behalf of the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) have started work on upgrading the site in Timaru between SH1/Evans St, Grants Rd and the Showgrounds Shopping Centre, following the successful completion of other necessary road works at the intersection.
Rangitata MP James Meager was welcoming work starting on a long-awaited upgrade to the SH1 Timaru Showgrounds intersection.
Mr Meager said contractors would be working on one side of the road at a time to reduce disruption, while one lane in each direction would remain open where possible. The project was on track to be completed by mid-year.
He said while the bottleneck at the Timaru Showgrounds’ intersection had been a major problem for those travelling on SH1, it had also caused wider ramifications by halting further commercial development in the area.
He said it was a ‘‘handbrake on our town’s growth’’.
‘‘This upgrade will finally allow the long-planned Showgrounds development to proceed and unlock land that should have been supporting jobs and businesses years ago. Importantly, the work will include significant safety upgrades to benefit both motorists and pedestrians.
‘‘This has been made possible by a $2.84 million taxpayer investment into SH1 through the Regional Infrastructure Fund, alongside funding from Timaru Showgrounds Ltd.
‘‘The delivery of these upgrades will be a game changer for our town, and act as a catalyst for additional development and investment in Timaru.’’
NZTA maintenance and operations regional manager Peter Brown said the upgrade would include a new southbound lane on SH1, rebuilt and stronger road surfaces, enhanced traffic signals and safer crossing areas for pedestrians and cyclists.
‘‘The upgrade will make it easier and safer to travel through the busy intersection, or to access the growing shopping area, while also improving efficiency and productivity,’’ Mr Brown said.
‘‘It will also help enable further commercial development at the Showgrounds site for the region.’’
‘‘This upgrade follows the successful completion of other work needed at the intersection, including the replacement of the Taitarakihi culvert, and work on underground utilities on behalf of the Timaru District Council while traffic management has been in place.’’
‘‘We appreciate people have been putting up with road works at the intersection for some time now and we thank them for the patience they have shown. The good news is that we are in sight now of significant improvements at the intersection.’’
— Allied Media
