State Highway 1 Picton Elevation up and running
Regular travellers between Picton and Blenheim will have noticed all three lanes at the Picton Elevation are open.
The local NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi team has been working on this project since 2023, when groundwater pushed through the highway, cracking the surface.
During the past six months, contractors have installed new culverts across the full width of the road, installed new sumps and drainage channels on the eastern side, and new outlets and bank protection on the western side.
Rob Service, NZTA System Manager Top of the South, said the project was complex and needed careful planning and construction.
“This part of State Highway 1 was affected for some time and we thank drivers for their patience and cooperation while the work was underway,” he said.
“This section of state highway is the gateway to the South Island and is a critical freight link to the south. Getting the job done and the northbound slow vehicle lane back up and running has been the top priority for our team.”
Given the time of the year, asphalt has been used to resurface the highway until contractors can return to the site when the weather is warmer to lay chipseal. Until then, a temporary speed limit of 70km/h is in place.
More information about this project can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website or the NZTA/Waka Kotahi - Nelson, Tasman & Marlborough Facebook page.
Go to the NZTA Waka Kotahi page for the SH1 Picton elevation repairs