NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is preparing for two nights of asphalting work on State Highway 3 at Tariki and Midhirst next week.
Two stretches of SH3 will close between 7pm and 4am each night on Sunday 10 December and Monday 11 December, to repair damage caused by recent and sustained heavy rainfall. The road will reopen early morning on the Tuesday (12 December).
During those hours, SH3 will be closed between Rugby and Norfolk Roads at Tariki and also between Denmark Terrace and Denbigh Road at Midhirst.
Access to emergency services will remain open during this time.
NZ Transport Agency System Manager for Manawatū-Whanganui and Taranaki, Liesl Dawson says we’re confident by doing this work overnight, for two nights, we’ll be able to minimise disruption for everyone.
“We know how frustrating planned closures are while we’re working hard to improve this vital connection between Taranaki and Whanganui.
“Closing the road for that period also means the work can be done as quickly as possible, preventing further possible disruption.
“We’re closing these sections of road for the safety of all road users and the crews working onsite.
“We considered ways to avoid a full closure but crews will be working across both lanes of SH3 at the time, meaning stop/go traffic control isn’t possible - the bridges at these points of the state highway prevent traffic from being able to safely travel around the work site.
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.
“We advise people travelling locally to plan ahead, delay travel and check NZTA’s Journey Planner.
“For those traveling between Hāwera and New Plymouth SH45 is an alternative, adding 20 minutes to the journey.
“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.
