Build in time through Kawarau Gorge and Haast to Makarora this week as Central Otago summer road sealing is completed

There are only a few more weeks left to run in the NZ Transport Agency’s Central Otago summer highway road works programme.

• Drivers through the Kawarau Gorge this week need to build in an extra 35 minutes with sealing underway while the temperature is warm. 

• Between Haast and Makarora, drivers should build in an extra 20 minutes.

NZ Transport Agency Central Otago Maintenance Contract Manager Mark Stewart says measures have been put in place to help ensure there isn’t a repeat of the lengthy delays in the Kawarau Gorge which occurred on a recent Friday afternoon, while the Crown Range Road was also closed.  But there will still be delays, so drivers need to be prepared and build in extra time, he says. 

“The Transport Agency thanks all road users for their patience while the last stages of this important work are finished, and for the safety of roads crews, please take care when driving through work sites and stick to the temporary speed limits.” 

Two major road maintenance projects are currently in progress in Central Otago: 

Kawarau Gorge (SH6 between Cromwell and Queenstown): programmed for completion by the end of March.  Sealing is scheduled to start on either Tuesday 6 March or Wednesday 7 March, weather permitting.  Please allow an extra 35 minutes travel time for your trips on this route in the coming week, says Mr Stewart.

http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadworks/198592(external link)

Haast Pass (SH6 between Haast and Makarora): programmed for completion by mid to late March.  Delays of up to 20 minutes should be expected during the final stages of this project.

http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/areawarnings/197409(external link)

How to stay up to date:

• Information on road works and expected delays is available on the Transport Agency’s website www.highwayinfo.govt.nz(external link)
• Facebook www.facebook.com/nztasouthisland(external link)
• Phone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS
• Twitter NZTA Otago/Southland https://twitter.com/NZTAOS(external link)