The New Zealand Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said in a media release that work began on Monday on a new Timaru District Council water main near the Showgrounds.
NZTA also said more roadworks were coming in early March, so drivers were reminded to allow extra time travelling on State Highway 1 through Timaru.
South Canterbury NZTA maintenance contract manager Chris Chambers said drivers should plan ahead and consider alternative routes if they wanted to avoid delays.
"There will be reduced lane widths and 30kmh temporary speed limits in the area, which are likely to cause additional congestion and queue lengths, especially at peak travel times."
Early in March, NZTA would begin resurfacing a section of SH1, Evans St between Beverley Rd and Te Weka St, south of the water main works.
"We know that these multiple work sites will cause delays through Timaru, but we are also pleased to be getting these road improvements under way after several years of patching and holding repairs."
He said to help ease the pressure drivers could build extra time into their travel and avoid roadworks sites during peak times if possible.
The water main replacement work was expected to run into winter (May/June) and was weather dependent.
Work hours would be 7.30am to 6pm.
— APL
