A series of roadworks to improve Southland state highways is due to kick off early in the new year, and people are being told to expect minor delays in their travel.

Work to reconstruct sections of highway, including excavation, fill, resurfacing and line marking – and associated traffic management – is scheduled to start on Monday 5 January 2026 at the following sites:

• State Highway 90/Waikaka Valley Highway, between Waikaka Road and Cunningham Road – work scheduled from Monday 5 January to Tuesday 31 March, 6am to 8pm daily on weekdays – traffic lights/30km/h temporary speed restriction at worksite; expect delays of 5-10 minutes.
• State Highway 96/Winton-Wreys Bush Highway, at Heddon Bush Road – Monday 5 January to Saturday 31 January, 6am to 8pm daily on weekdays – traffic lights/30km/h temporary speed restriction at worksite; expect delays of 5-10 minutes.
• State Highway 96/Winton-Hedgehope Highway at Zwies Road, Browns – Monday 5 January to Saturday 31 January, 6am to 8pm daily on weekdays – traffic lights/30km/h temporary speed restriction at worksite; expect delays of 5-10 minutes.
• State Highway 94/Te Anau-Milford Highway, near Sinclair Road – work scheduled from Monday 5 January to Saturday 31 January, 6am to 8pm daily on weekdays – traffic lights/30km/h temporary speed restriction at worksite; expect delays of 5-10 minutes.

This work is subject to scheduling change in the event of poor weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

We will aim to notify people about any changes through our channels. 

Stay up to date at our Journey Planner site.

We thank people in advance for their patience and understanding as this work is carried out to ensure a safe and resilient highway network for Southland road users.