While summer still seems a long way off in the Manawatu, The New Zealand Transport Agency is about to start the annual summer road maintenance programme.
While summer still seems a long way off in the Manawatu, The New Zealand Transport Agency is about to start the annual summer road maintenance programme.
NZTA Transport System Manager Ross I'Anson says the programme starting next week will see road reconstruction, resurfacing and other maintenance work carried out on more than 220 work sites both large and small on State Highways throughout Manawatu and Whanganui.
“We’ll be delivering an unprecedented amount of roadworks within the region this season to improve the roads, increase safety and make people’s journeys more enjoyable. We’re starting early to ensure we can get plenty of work done before busy holiday travel periods like Labour Weekend, Christmas and New Year’s.
“The resurfacing work in particular will improve conditions, and make the roads safer for everyone.”
Mr I’Anson says warmer spring and summer months are the best time for resurfacing as daylight hours are longer and the warm temperatures and dry air help the new seal stick to the road surface.
The Transport Agency is also urging people to be aware of road workers and to comply with temporary speed restrictions through work sites to keep them safe.
“Keeping your speed down where sealing work is underway or has just been completed not only helps to settle in the new road surface, it will also prevent stone chips flying into windscreens and protect our crews from injuries.”
Updates on specific work sites will be provided throughout the roadworks season, but road users can expect some delays on journeys from Levin to Taihape on State Highway 1, Palmerston North to Waverly on State Highway 3, and Mount Bruce to Norsewood on State Highway 2.
“While we will try to keep inconveniences and delays to a minimum, we urge people to be patient and plan their journeys to account for some delays from road works,” Mr I’Anson says.
The NZTA Journey Planner website is a great tool which includes interactive maps, worksites and area warnings, as well as a range of live camera feeds showing the state of traffic across the highway network:
https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/manawatu-wanganui/(external link)
