Central Otago, Queenstown Lakes Districts summer road work season has begun

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Summer road works have begun on Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes District highways which will help ensure well-maintained road surfaces and safe journeys for road users all year round.

Summer is the optimum time for this work to occur as it is warmer, allowing bitumen to stick more effectively to the road surface and for crews to have more daylight hours and visibility for greater safety.

Summer is also the time for holidays and events, and road works at these times can create some frustrations for road users, says NZ Transport Agency Journey Manager, Lower South Island, Peter Brown.

“To help people better plan their journeys, the Transport Agency provides as much timely information as possible via our website, social media, and Electronic Messaging signs on the highways. 

“As well as keeping yourself informed, it is always a good idea to build in extra time when travelling.”

Places you can expect to see road works over this summer in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes Districts

Frankton Road (SH6A between Frankton and Queenstown): aiming to be completed by mid-December.  Work will take place at night and delays of up to 10 minutes should be expected throughout.

Many reseal sites: There will be a number of reseal sites throughout the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago Districts. The reseal sites will vary in length and most of them will not have a significant impact on people’s journeys.  Information on the locations and timing of sites that will cause delays will be made available via the Transport Agency’s traffic information website: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic(external link)

SH6 rehabilitation, near the Crown Range turnoff: programmed between early January and the end of March 2019.

SH6 rehabilitation, near the Crown Range turnoff

Take care around road crews and drive slowly through recently laid chipseal.

Tips for driving safely on fresh chipseal:

  • Get ready: Slow down to the temporary speed limit before you reach the new chipseal.
  • Leave space: Allow an extra car’s length distance to develop between your car and the vehicle in front.
  • 30k is okay: Drive steadily at the temporary speed limit – usually 30km/h the first day, 50km/h on the next two days.
  • Avoid braking: Don’t ride the brakes and avoid getting so close to the next car that you have to brake suddenly. Tap the brakes lightly if you have to.
  • Be patient: Keep your speed down until after you have passed out of the coned zone.

“The Transport Agency apologises for any inconvenience that summer road works may cause and ask that you travel through the work areas at the temporary speed limits for your own safety and for the safety of our roading crews,” says Mr Brown.

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey this summer. Keep up to date with:

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