Beginning on 23 February, our crews will be starting culvert strengthening and highway renewal work on a 1.3km stretch of SH99 (Wallacetown–Lorneville). This work will help improve both the condition of the highway and flood resilience in the area.

The section we’ll be working on is between Ryal Bush–Wallacetown Road and Underwood–Linds Bridge Road, and includes digouts, drainage improvements, pavement excavation, resurfacing, line marking and culvert strengthening.

We know this work will cause some disruption, and we really appreciate your patience while we get it done. Here’s what to expect:

Phase 1 – Culvert strengthening and drainage work

23 February – 9 March (approx.)

• FULL CLOSURE of SH99 between Ryal Bush–Wallacetown Road and The Grocer Lorneville, in place 24/7 for around two weeks
• Detour for all vehicles via Ryal Bush–Wallacetown Road / Collinson Road / SH6 Winton–Lorneville Highway
• Resident access maintained:
  • East side of Old Main Road up to 329 Wallacetown–Lorneville Highway
  • West side of the Makarewa River up to Old Main Road

Both will be managed by the on-site traffic controller

• Emergency services will use the same detour and access routes
• Businesses between Steel Road and Ryal Bush–Wallacetown Road remain open and accessible

Phase 2 – Highway renewal

9 March – early April (approx.)

• One lane open between Ryal Bush–Wallacetown Road and Underwood–Linds Bridge Road, managed by temporary traffic lights
  • Expect delays of 15–20 minutes, especially at busy times
• Resident access maintained, managed by the traffic controller
• Emergency services access remains
• A 30km/h temporary speed limit will be in place at all times
  • This is important for everyone’s safety and to protect the freshly prepared road surface—speeding can cause damage and lead to additional delays for repairs

Our team will be doing everything they can to get this work completed as quickly and safely as possible. Weather and ground conditions can cause delays, but we’ll let you know if anything changes significantly.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to get in touch.

Wallacetown renewal closures. Image: NZTA