Motorists travelling State Highway 73 through Arthur’s Pass next week are being advised by the NZ Transport Agency to allow up to 40 minutes longer for their journey time because of road works on the highway.
Work is expected to get underway on Tuesday (17 February) to reseal a 2km stretch of the highway to the west of Klondyke Corner and work is progressing just west of Arthur’s Pass on the reconstruction and resealing of SH73.
The Transport Agency’s Journey Manager Lee Wright says the work at Klondyke corner will take only two days to complete, however, the actual days of work will be dependent on suitable weather.
“Motorists could face delays at both works sites, adding up to 40 minutes to their journey time, and the Transport Agency apologises in advance for any inconvenience.
“We have such a small window of opportunity available to complete the works in this alpine area that we have had to schedule the works to be completed at the same time.”
SH73 is being resealed between Klondyke corner and the Greyney’s Bridge, the narrowness of the road meaning both sides of the highway need to be sealed at the same time, completely closing the highway for up to 30 minutes at a time.
Work has been underway west of Arthur’s Pass for the last five weeks reconstructing and resealing 600 metres of the highway.
“The earthworks to widen the road have been completed and our contractors have moved onto extending the existing culverts and installing new culverts, concrete dish channels and retaining works.”
The highway is reduced to single lane throughout the day – opened to two lanes at night – with the traffic controlled by lights. Delays of five to 10 minutes are possible at this site. This work remains on schedule for completion in mid-April.
Ms Wright says summer is the best time to repair road surfaces and carry out important safety and road improvement works. “Unfortunately, this work always coincides with the busy summer holiday period and we ask everyone travelling SH73 to be patient as we complete these works.
“We ask that motorists slow down and observe speed restrictions through the works site. Speeding through the sites is not only dangerous to those working on our roads and other motorists, but it can cause damage to the works that have already been completed.”
Ms Wright says the Agency and its contractors are working to limit the impact on motorists, by keeping any delays to a minimum.
For the latest information on what is happening on the state highways: phone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or visit the website: www.highwayinfo.govt.nz(external link)
For more information please contact:
Jan McCarthy
Media Manager - Christchurch
T: 03 964 2885
M: 021 427 442
E: jan.mccarthy@nzta.govt.nz
