The NZ Transport Agency advises motorists in the Far North that expected bad weather has forced a delay in the start of work to resurface State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge.
The work will not now start until Saturday, 17 February at the earliest.
The original plan was for full-width resurfacing of a number of separate areas through the gorge to start this weekend, says NZ Transport Agency System Manager, Steve Mutton.
“But resurfacing requires dry weather and the forecast is not encouraging, so we’ll hold off for a week”, says Mr Mutton.
The new plan is to close the state highway between Mangamuka and Kaitaia from 7am to 6pm daily on Saturday 17 February, Sunday 18 February and Monday 19 February.
Two further 3-day closures, planned for the following weekends, will be required to finish the resurfacing. These dates will depend on the weather and will be confirmed closer to the time.
While the road is closed, crews will carry out other maintenance, including vegetation and drain clearing, cleaning signs and removing rubbish.
There will be a detour in place via State Highway 10 between Awanui and Pakaraka. The detour will add about 10 kilometres to a one way journey.
The Transport Agency urges motorists to plan their journey, allow extra time and follow the detour road signs. When SH1 is reopened, keep to the posted speed limits to give the new road surface a chance to set.
The Transport Agency apologises for any inconvenience the detour may cause while we carry out this important safety and maintenance work.
Check the Transport Agency’s website: www.nzta.govt.nz(external link) for the latest highway information or sign up to www.onthemove.govt.nz(external link) for up-to-date information on what is happening on the route you plan to travel; freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS for national and regional travel updates.
