Update 27 November 2024:
Due to scheduling changes, the start date for this road reconstruction work will now get underway on Monday, 9 December, a week later than initially planned.
Despite the later start date, most of the project will be completed by 20 December, and the road will be restored to two lanes and a 100 km/h speed limit over the Christmas/New Year period. Contractors will return to the site in late January to complete sealing works.
This will be carried out on weekdays, 9 December to 20 December, between 7 am and 5 pm (no night-time or weekend work). During work hours, stop/go controls and a temporary speed limit of 30 km/h will be in place.
Drivers can expect delays of up to 10 minutes at this site but should allow an extra 20 minutes of travel time on SH63 between Renwick and St Arnaud due to other road works underway on this route.
Outside of work hours, a 30 km/h reduced temporary speed limit will remain in place for the safety of all road users.
11 November 2024:
A better road and safer travel are coming for drivers using State Highway 63 near the Wye River.
Road reconstruction work is planned for the highway between Wairau Valley and Birch Hill for three weeks in December.
Road crews will be on the job from Monday, 2 December, through to Friday, 20 December.
Mark Owen, Regional Manager Wellington/Top of the South, says it is an integral part of the state highway summer maintenance programme.
"State Highway 63 is a critical transport link between Blenheim and the West Coast. It is also a key part of network resilience as it is the main alternative route to Nelson if State Highway 6 closes."
"Keeping it in good repair is essential for residents, businesses, and the freight industry. This is why a long-term fix, like a road rebuild, is critical. It improves the route's resilience, reduces future maintenance demands, and makes it safer," Mr Owen says.
The work will be carried out during the day from Monday to Friday under stop/go traffic controls. Drivers will need to factor in around 10-minute delays through the area.
Mr Owen says temporary speed limits will be in place while the repairs are underway.
"Drivers must follow these speed limits. They keep drivers and road crews safe, protect the road surface, and prevent vehicle damage. Speeding through road works sites isn't good for anyone."
And Mr Owen says drivers must plan for the short delays the road works will cause.
"If you are driving between Renwick and St Arnaud, allow an extra 20 minutes for your journey. Just to make sure you get to your destination on time."
He acknowledges there are a lot of road works in the region in the run-up to Christmas. But Mr Owen says the timing is carefully chosen.
"This work can only be done when the weather is warm and dry. Road rebuilds and resurfacing need these conditions to be durable and effective."
"We are doing our absolute best to reduce their impact. This is why it is happening after Marlborough Anniversary weekend and will be completed before the busy Christmas holiday season. We want the road to be clear when traffic is at its busiest," Mr Owen says.
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