The final design for the Wairakei Rd/Russley Rd intersection will not allow access to the airport precinct from State Highway 1.

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will permanently close access to the Christchurch Airport end of Wairakei Rd from State Highway 1.

Drivers heading west on Wairakei Rd will still be able to turn left onto Russley Rd (State Highway 1), towards the Memorial Ave intersection, following the changes on Thursday night.

Drivers heading south on Russley Rd will still be able to turn left onto Wairakei Rd, towards the central city.

There will no longer be direct access to the airport precinct area and Orchard Rd from Wairakei Rd.

An NZTA statement said signs had been in place for several weeks to warn drivers of the impending changes.

The change is part of NZTA's Russley Rd upgrade project, and is needed for safety because the road is so close to the airport interchange lanes at Memorial Ave.

An underpass for cyclists and pedestrians is open just north of Wairakei Rd, at the newly-complete Harewood Rd roundabout.

NZTA said final engineering work to remove traffic islands and the roundabout at the Wairakei Rd intersection would likely take place at weekends and off-peak hours in October.

The roundabout is likely to be reduced to one lane during this time.