NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Waka Kotahi has agreed to scrap a planned detour during the Wānaka A&P Show weekend.

NZTA announced last week that the intersection of SH6 and the Cromwell/Luggate inbound lane (ie traffic coming from Cromwell or Luggate towards Mt Iron) would close for up to five weeks (from February 19 to March 22) while NZTA contractor Fulton Hogan completes that leg of the roundabout.

Go deeper: Final detour for Mt Iron roundabout starts soon

However, Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board member Chris Hadfield told the Wānaka App the planned detour would be “a nightmare”, as it would mean all the show traffic (including caravans, horse floats, and machinery) would be sent along Ballantyne Road.

A&P Show general manager Jane Stalker said the organisation had been “talking with NZTA, Fulton Hogan and our traffic management team Southern Safety Service to find the best outcome”.

Yesterday (Tuesday February 13) Waka Kotahi Southern media manager Frances Adank advised that, following a monthly project meeting between Waka Kotahi and Fulton Hogan, “it’s been agreed both lanes of SH6 will open for the Wānaka Show from Fri 8 to Sun 10 March inclusive”.

“The road will be very much under construction, for example compacted AP65, so under 30km speed limit and possible delays – but no detour for those three days,” she added.

The annual show, one of New Zealand’s largest, attracts more than 44,000 people to the Wānaka Showgrounds each year.

PHOTO: Supplied