Shenandoah highway (SH65) upcoming closures through Maruia for culvert replacements

People who travel north of Springs Junction on the Shenandoah highway (SH65) will need to plan their journey times next week and the week after, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

Two highway culverts north of Springs Junction and the Lewis Pass scenic route (SH7) are being replaced. This will require a full highway closure for four days, spread over two weeks.

Are there alternatives?

The alternate route is via the Upper Buller Gorge, Reefton, and the Rahu Saddle to Springs Junction, which will take about an hour compared to 45 minutes on the Shenandoah. (See map below).

Dates and midday opening slot

The first two closures are on Tuesday and Wednesday next week, 19 and 20 March. The second two days are the following week on Tuesday and Wednesday, 26 and 27 March.

SH65 will be closed at each end, between O’Sullivans Bridge and Springs Junction, from 6.30 am to 6 pm with an opening from 12.30pm to 1.30 pm for traffic to get through.

• People are reminded the route will be open after 6 pm each day through to 6.30 am the next morning, as well as the 12.30 to 1.30 pm slot.
• The local school bus will be escorted through and people will be able to access their properties on either side.
• This work requires dry weather so if it is wet, it will be re-scheduled. 
• People can check for updates on the NZTA traffic updates page the  night before:
  journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)

NZTA thanks all drivers of SH65 for working around these times and adding in extra travel if necessary.