Months of detours as Cromwell gets two new roundabouts

Drivers wanting to head into Cromwell town centre from the west side of town can expect approximately three months of a short detour starting next week.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is constructing two roundabouts in the town: one at the intersection of SH6 and SH8B (the Queenstown and Wānaka turnoff) and one on SH8B at the Wooing Tree Estate, which will be paid for by the developer and includes a pedestrian underpass.

There’ll be plenty of construction activity at this entrance to town and traffic will need to be diverted because of it.

From Tuesday, drivers heading from Queenstown or Wānaka who would usually turn off SH6 at the Nichol’s corner will now need to follow the detour signs taking them into Cromwell via Shortcut Road.

That’s also the detour route for travellers from SH6 looking to sail past Cromwell and over Deadman’s Point Bridge to continue to Alexandra and Dunedin or Christchurch.

There’s no change for drivers leaving Cromwell bound for SH6 and on to Queenstown or Wānaka - they can leave via SH8B, travelling past the Big Fruit and the back of Nichol’s, and onto SH6 as they normally would.

There’s also no detour for drivers not coming to Cromwell and simply travelling on SH6 – it remains open in both directions.

Detours will be in place for approximately three months when construction begins on two new roundabouts for Cromwell.

Waka Kotahi’s Graeme Hall says drivers need to keep their eyes on the road, slow down and follow the temporary directions.

“Waka Kotahi thanks all road users and Cromwell residents for their patience while the work in their town is underway.”

Meanwhile drivers through the Kawarau Gorge are told to expect delays of up to ten minutes at the Nevis Bluff.

“A large piece of schist high above the highway is being rock bolted in place for everyone’s safety, so drivers may be paused during the daytime.”

Further along the road, Gibbston Valley Station is also doing intersection work on SH6, with varying traffic management over the next few months.

Outside of peak commuting times (7am to 9am, and 4pm to 6pm) drivers through the site will have a 30km/h speed limit, and at times there’ll be stop/go traffic control.

During peak hours or when the site’s unattended there may be a 50km/h speed limit, depending on activity and site condition.

Waka Kotahi is asking drivers to stick to the speed limit even if the site appears to be unattended.