Temporary closure of Hawthorne Drive

Hawthorne Drive will be closed to traffic from 12th October for nine days as contractors work to put the final touches on the road before completion in December.

This planned temporary closure is required to asphalt a 300 metre stretch of the road that was temporarily chip sealed to ensure stage one of Hawthorne Drive was able to open this winter.

Formerly known as the Eastern Access Road, Hawthorne Drive was opened ahead of programme in June, providing an alternative route for drivers travelling between Frankton and the Shotover River, enabling them to avoid the existing junction of SH6 and SH6A at the BP roundabout.

Due to winter weather conditions and site constraints it wasn’t possible to lay the final asphalt section before the road opened. As an alternative 300m of sacrificial chip seal was laid which enabled the road to open under a 30km/h speed restriction over that section.

Opening the road in time for winter made a huge difference to traffic congestion at the BP roundabout, with travel times along that traditionally busy stretch of road reduced by up to 17 minutes.

Peter Hansby, QLDC General Manager Property and Infrastructure says this temporary closure has been planned to minimise the disruption as much as possible.

“This work has been timed to tie in with the end of the ski season and traditionally lower traffic volumes experienced at this time of year. It’s also the end of the school holidays so we will see fewer vehicles on the roads which will reduce any inconvenience to a large degree.”

With the asphalt surface laid on the road the speed limit will be increased to 50km/h when the road reopens on 21st October.

The project is currently on track to be completed before Christmas.

ENDS

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