Contractors laying the final asphalt surface in Gordon Rd in Mosgiel had a rough day on site on Tuesday, damaging a fire hydrant and creating a temporary water fountain.
NZTA Coastal Otago maintenance contract manager Nicholas Rodger said the incident was caused by the weight of the asphalt paver sinking on the road shoulder and, during attempts to get out of the softer material, clipping the hydrant.
The water supply was turned off temporarily for repairs.
A detour is in place until lunchtime tomorrow while surface laying is done on the side of Gordon Rd heading towards Dunedin.
The detour affects only those who would otherwise use that side of the road, including bus services.
Contractors faced an additional challenge on Tuesday when a road-marking crew arrived to work on the detour route, causing congestion. Once contractors were aware of the problem, the road-marking crew left the site.
Mr Rodger said all side streets accessing the the side of Gordon Rd being worked on would remain closed this week, including Wickliffe, Park and Laing Sts.
Closing these streets would enable the laying of the final asphalt surface in Gordon Rd.