The NZ Transport Agency advises motorists in the Far North that State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge will be closed for annual maintenance, starting this Saturday.
These works will involve full-width resurfacing of a number of separate areas through the gorge, says NZ Transport Agency Northland System Manager, Jacqui Hori-Hoult.
While the road is closed, crews will carry out other maintenance, including vegetation and drain clearing, cleaning signs and removing rubbish.
To do the work safely and to the highest standard, road crews will close the state highway between Mangamuka and Kaitaia.
A detour will be in place via SH10 adding about 10 kms to a one way journey from the Pakaraka intersection to Kaitaia.
SH1 will be closed during the day on Saturday 2 March, Sunday 3 March and Monday 4 March. The work is weather dependant.
“Our crews will start setting up the traffic management from 6am, with the closure effective from 8am until 6pm, with all signage taken down by 8pm daily,” says Ms Hori-Hoult.
The Transport Agency urges motorists to plan their journey, allow extra time and follow the detour road signs. When SH1 is reopened, keep to the posted temporary speed limit to give the new road surface a chance to set.
“The resurfacing has been scheduled this year to avoid any local events, however we urge anyone travelling to the Northland Field Days in Dargaville this weekend to plan their journey, allow extra time for the detour or travel before or after the SH1 closure times.”
The Transport Agency apologises for any inconvenience while we carry out this important safety and maintenance work.
