Additional road closures are required for asphalting works on State Highway 3 at Midhirst early next week, after this work had to be deferred following machinery breakdowns and wet weather.
The breakdowns caused setbacks that meant crews working on site overnight were only able to partially complete works at the northern site between Johns and Norfolk Roads.
These works will now take place overnight Sunday 17 December to Tuesday 19 December, utilising the days initially reserved for bad weather.
On Sunday night between 7pm and 5am, crews will complete work at this site under stop/go traffic management before completing additional urgent repairs just south of Midhirst, between Radnor and Kahouri Roads. These works can be completed under stop/go traffic management as the road is wide enough in these sections for traffic to travel around the works safely.
On Monday night and Tuesday night between 7pm and 5am, work will be completed at SH3 in Midhirst between Denmark Terrace and Denbigh Road under a road closure. This stretch of road will reopen at 5am on Wednesday morning.
Access for emergency services and residents within the site will remain open during this time.
For those traveling between Hāwera and New Plymouth on Monday night, SH45 is an alternative, adding 20 minutes to the journey.
NZ Transport Agency System Manager for Manawatū-Whanganui and Taranaki, Liesl Dawson says the machinery breakdown is unfortunate timing and we’re working with our contractor to ensure next week’s work minimises disruption for travellers.
“We know how frustrating planned closures can be, and we know it’s a busy time of year for the region and for our roads. We’re mindful that Christmas at the Bowl, among other events, is on this Sunday which is why we have made sure Sunday’s work will be carried out under stop/go traffic management, and not a closure.
“There will unfortunately still be delays for people using SH3 on Sunday night, so we’re reminding people to plan ahead and check NZTA’s Journey Planner.”
To maximise the time with lower traffic volumes on this busy stretch of road, additional crews will complete maintenance works along SH3 between Inglewood and Stratford during this time.
“If you come across maintenance work being carried out between Inglewood and Stratford, please be careful, expect delays around traffic management and please respect our crews working on the site,” says Ms Dawson.
