Timaru District Council is starting work on a full equipment upgrade of the traffic signals at the Stafford, Strathallan and Church streets intersection on Sunday evening, May 10.

Fulton Hogan Electrical has been contracted to complete the upgrade that includes removing and replacing all existing traffic signal poles and lanterns and installing a new electronic controller cabinet.

Timaru District Council General Manager Land Transport, Suzy Ratahi said the intersection will remain open during the upgrade, which is expected to take around three weeks to complete.

“A single traffic lane in each direction will operate while work is underway, which will restrict normal turning movements and may cause brief delays. Temporary traffic signals and other traffic management measures will be in place to guide motorists and pedestrians safely through the work site.”

“This work forms part of council’s planned asset renewal programme to maintain a safe, reliable, and cost-effective traffic signal network. The current equipment is now at a point where [if we were to keep it running] it would lower efficiency, leading to significant safety concerns and greater maintenance costs,” Ratahi said.

Alpine Energy and council’s drainage and water unit will be working within the site at the same time, undertaking electrical network upgrades, and replacing stormwater pipes.

Following the signals upgrade, Fulton Hogan Civil is scheduled to complete footpath replacement at the four corners of the intersection during June. All work is expected to be completed by the first week of July 2026.

Note: 

Funding for this work comes from LTU traffic services capital renewal budget allocation which is jointly funded by NZTA and local contributions (rates). The cost for this project will be around $850k which includes the footpath works.

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