With the four-year project about to enter its second year, an NZTA spokeswoman says the first phase, moving underground utilities, is on track for completion in September.
The project team will then begin work on constructing the new intersection itself, she says.
"This will inevitably bring some disruption to traffic as the configuration of the traffic lanes move, to allow room for the work, which may have wider network effects."
With an original budget of $115m, the project’s aimed at easing the junction’s chronic congestion - more than 40,000 vehicles pass through it each day at peak times.
The existing roundabout will be replaced with a signalled intersection, while signals will also be added at the nearby intersection of State Highway 6 with Hansen Rd and Joe O’Connell Dr — the latter easing entry and exit at the Queenstown Events Centre - while the Frankton bus hub will be doubled in size.
The work also includes the installation of a roundabout at the dangerous Ladies Mile-Howards Dr T-intersection.
The entire project remains on track for completion in the winter of 2028, the spokeswoman says.
"We encourage locals to sign up to receive work notices that outline the days, time and duration of specific pieces of work that may cause disruption."
The notices are available by emailing info@wtpa.co.nz, with ‘work notice’ in the subject line.
