NZTA confirms work on SH1 culvert in Timaru to start

Tuesday, 26 August 2025

Work to replace the Taitarakihi Creek culvert will begin early next month, bringing temporary traffic changes at the site. (File photo)

Work to replace a culvert at a busy intersection on State Highway 1 through Timaru is due to start next month.

A spokesperson for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) confirmed the work to replace the culvert at Taitarakihi Creek, which is located at the entrance to The Showgrounds retail centre, would start early in September.

“The deteriorating condition of the existing culvert, next to the SH1 Evans St/Grants Rd intersection, means there is a pressing need for its replacement.”

The work would start on September 8 and was expected to take eight months to complete, during which road users could expect temporary changes at the site.

“Businesses in the area can continue to operate, but there will be changes to how traffic is managed at the intersection,” the spokesperson said.

Timaru business owner Darryl Pyke pictured looking at the culvert raised concerns about delays to the work back in 2023. (File photo)

“The work will be completed in two stages, and a section of SH1 Evans St will reduce to a single lane with traffic in either direction for the duration of the project.”

Work would start on the eastern side of Evans St, with no entry to The Showgrounds from the intersection.

Entry to the retail centre would be via Bridge Rd, with exit only at the intersection with Grants Rd. Users of Grants Rd would have access only off SH1 and no exit.

During the second stage, traffic would use the eastern side of the road and there would be no access to Grants Rd for the duration of that work.

“We thank people in advance for their patience and understanding as we complete this necessary work.”

Traffic at The Showgrounds intersection in Timaru in March - the same month the first businesses opened at the complex.

NZTA’s spokesperson said the project was not about improving the intersection but would “ensure it is prepared for any future improvements”.

In June, the Timaru District Council confirmed NZTA had laid an official complaint over the intersection at The Showgrounds.

The culvert at the intersection, which sits at the entrance to the retail development, was required to have been replaced by the developer by March 2024 as part of consented work at the site.

The council received a response to the complaint from the developer on May 26. In June, the council’s group manager corporate and communications Stephen Doran said it was considering the response and would “likely be requesting further information to progress the matter”.

“As this is an ongoing compliance matter, we do not want to prejudice proceedings by making any detailed further comment at this time,” Doran said at the time.

Asked for an update on Monday, Doran said the council had no further update to make at this time.