Road users in the Bay of Plenty may see contractors out in force over the coming weeks carrying out re-seals or improvements to the State Highway network.
Weather permitting the annual reseal programme is expected to start this week.
People may experience minor delays while the reseals and repairs are carried out.
Bay of Plenty Journey Manager, Nigel D’Ath says regularly resealing roads makes them safer to drive on and less likely to require expensive repair work in the future
“While we’re working to keep the roads maintained all year around, the warmer months between November and March are the best time of year for maintenance and repairs. This is because when the weather is warmer and the air is drier, the seal sticks more effectively to the road surface,
“Road users should plan their journeys, abide by all speed signs and drive with extra care around these sites,” Mr D’Ath says.
Motorists can get real time information from:
For Waikato/Bay of Plenty updates
For current travel times use: www.drivelive.nz(external link)(external link)
For personalised information about driving conditions on their frequently used routes, motorists can check out and sign up to On the Move(external link).
Work or events that are scheduled to start this week or are currently underway are detailed below to help people plan ahead when travelling. Works and events are weather dependent and may be postponed if necessary.
New pedestrian crossing near Glenview shopping centre
A signalised pedestrian crossing is being built on State Highway 3-Ohaupo Road, adjacent to the Glenview shopping centre.
The NZ Transport Agency expects the lights to be operating by the end of November..
The crossing has been included in the shared pedestrian and cycling path project on State Highway 3 which is nearing completion. Original plans did not include the crossing but at the request of local community groups, the crossing was reviewed and included in the current works. The cost is approximately $300,000.
This will be the only controlled crossing point on Ohaupo Road between Dixon Road and Collins Road, a distance of 1.6km.
The Transport Agency asks drivers to take care in the area and be prepared to stop. When the signalised crossing opens, pedestrians are urged to check vehicles have stopped before stepping out – even when pedestrians have the green light.
SH1, Waikato Expressway - near Hampton Downs
Work continues this week to upgrade the wire rope barrier in the middle of the road. This work affects only one of the two north-bound lanes.
Road users should be prepared for slower speeds through this section of road and to allow up to five minutes extra for their journeys.
SH 30 Te Ngae Road, Lynmore
Major intersection improvements are being carried out at Te Ngae Road. Road users may see a different road lay-out, stop and go signs used and shoulder closures. During peak periods delays may be up to ten minutes long. Use local roads as a detour whenever possible.
SH 30 Te Teko to Awakeri
The road is being widened and flexible safety barriers are being installed between Te Teko and Awakeri. Stop and go signs may be used but delays are expected to be less than 5 minutes.
SH 2 Waioeka Gorge
Rock scaling and vegetation management is being carried out until early December. Stop and go signs will be used and there will be intermittent closures of approximately 10 minutes at a time to allow rock and/or vegetation to be brought down safely. Road users are advised to expect delays and allow an extra 15 minutes for their journey.
Bay of Plenty State Highway Network
We will be starting our annual reseal program mid-November. There will be stop/go in place at various sites across the Bay of Plenty with minor delays. Work will commence on SH35 and SH2 Waioeka Gorge. This work is weather dependant. Please be aware of large machinery and workers at these sites.
Te Puke Highway rehabilitation work
Rehabilitation work is being carried out between Poplar Lane and Kopuroa Canal Bridge (Longswamp). There is a 30kph temporary speed limit in place with lane shifts and metal surface. Extra care is required when traveling through this site.
SH2/TePuna Rd intersection, the Hairini underpass, SH29/29A/36 intersection.
Work is on-going on these sections of the State Highway network. The NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists to stick to the speed limits in place and drive safely.
Beach Road, Waihi Beach
Rehabilitation and drainage work is being carried out in the gorge section. Please drive with care through these works.
