Impending Jesmond Road upgrade

• By Merritt Watson, Franklin Local Board member

Motorists travelling through Drury and along State Highway 22 (SH22) are being advised to prepare for significant disruption ahead of the SH22 and Jesmond Road intersection upgrade early this year.

The project, led by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, has reached a critical milestone, with the interim intersection upgrade now fully designed. Final “Issued for Construction” drawings were provided to the appointed contractor in December, marking the transition from planning to on-the ground works.

Construction is expected to commence shortly after regulatory approvals were finalised last month, and is scheduled to run through until June 2026. During this period, road users can expect lane restrictions, traffic management, delays, and periods of congestion, particularly during peak travel times.

Transport officials say the temporary disruption is unavoidable, as the intersection currently operates beyond its original capacity and sits at the centre of several major transport projects reshaping the wider Drury–Paerātā area.

The interim upgrade is a stepping stone toward a much larger long-term transformation.
Plans are already underway for a full intersection rebuild, which will include four-laning of SH22, upgraded stormwater treatment, and a shared path for walking and cycling. Property acquisition for this stage is ongoing and will continue throughout 2026.

Subject to funding approvals, detailed design for the full upgrade is expected to be completed by mid-2026, with construction potentially starting in early 2027.

Local leaders acknowledge the works will be disruptive but say they are necessary to support the rapid growth occurring across Franklin and the Drury growth area.

“This is the hard part of growth,” one transport stakeholder noted. “Short-term inconvenience in exchange for a safer, more reliable transport network that can cope with what’s coming.”

Commuters are being encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and stay informed as traffic management arrangements are confirmed closer to the start of works. Further updates will be shared as construction timelines and detour plans are finalised.

*Merritt Watson is a member of the Franklin Local Board but is not writing on behalf of the board.