|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
- By Merritt Watson, Franklin Local Board member
Motorists travelling through Paerātā and along State Highway 22 are being urged to prepare for significant disruption in early January, as critical works begin on the Paerātā Train Station Roundabout project.
The project marks a major step in improving access to the growing Paerātā and Drury area and supporting the new rail station, it will require short-term disruption to complete key connections safely.
In early January, SH22 will be reduced to one lane for approximately two weeks, with a worst-case scenario of up to three weeks if weather or ground conditions cause delays.
These works are required to connect the newly constructed roundabout and surrounding road layout into the existing highway.
During the restriction period, contractors will operate seven days a week to complete the road tie-ins as quickly as possible and minimise impacts on commuters. Where traffic volumes allow, a Stop/Go one-lane system will be used to maintain two-way traffic flow. If congestion becomes excessive, a contingency plan will see southbound traffic diverted via SH1 and the Bombay interchange.
The January timing coincides with several other major roading projects underway in the southern growth corridor, increasing pressure on the local transport network. In particular, works on the Jesmond Road intersection near Drury, upgrades at the Drury motorway interchange, and the commencement of the Drury-Waihoehoe bridge upgrades will all be occurring around the same period.
Transport agencies acknowledge the timing will be challenging for residents and commuters, but say the works are unavoidable as the region prepares for significant growth.
“These upgrades are about getting essential infrastructure in place ahead of development, rather than trying to retrofit it later,” a project spokesperson said.
“That does mean short-term pain, but it is necessary to support safer and more efficient travel in the long term.”
The Paerātā roundabout works will also enable the Grafton Downs shared walkway, improving pedestrian connectivity along SH22 into Paerātā Rise and linking with wider active transport improvements in the area.
While the overall Paerātā Train Station Roundabout project is scheduled for completion in
March 2026, the January lane reductions represent one of the most disruptive phases.
