The roundabout that links Oak Grove, Walnut Avenue, Belt Road and Harrison Street will be closed to vehicles for up to three weeks from 13 April, while a new asphalt surface is laid.

Group Manager Neil McCann said work at the busy urban roundabout had been timed to co-incide with part of the school holidays.

“We know this intersection is busy with cars, buses, bikes and pedestrians as many are heading to Ashburton College, and we are closing it fully so that the work can be done faster.”

Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use footpaths to navigate the intersection, but no vehicles will be allowed. The work zone will be fenced off for safety.

Traffic will be detoured via Cavendish Street, Middle Road and Creek Road; an alternative route will be available using Cross Street, Elizabeth Street and Wills Street. There will be no left-turn access from Walnut Avenue to Oak Grove.

The work is being done by Council’s roading maintenance contractor Fulton Hogan, and machinery will be active during the day.

“They are going to mill the old surface, even it out and then lay new structural asphalt," Mr McCann said. "All the existing kerbing and the plants in the centre of the roundabout will stay, it’s the road surface that’s being improved.

“We’ve planned for the work to take three weeks, but with good weather we hope it will be finished earlier.”