Resurfacing work on SH60 in the Tasman region has been underway lately, and the road is now in top shape for the busy Christmas holiday period.
Update 18 October 2023:
Contractors have made better than expected progress on these resurfacing works with chip sealing completed today.
This means State Highway 60 is open to all traffic in both directions.
Some 30 km/h speed restrictions will be in place at various locations until 6 pm on Friday (20 October) while sweeping and line marking are completed.
Contractors want to thank residents and road users for following the detour route while this work has been underway. Their cooperation has played a big part in the works being finished ahead of schedule.
2 October 2023
From Monday 9 to Friday 20 October, between 6am and 6pm, crews will be out resurfacing SH60 between Appleby and Motueka.
During this time, one direction of the state highway (west-bound from Appleby to Motueka) will be closed to accommodate the work safely. The other direction, (east-bound) on SH60 (from Motueka to Appleby) will remain open.
For people traveling from Nelson or Richmond, a local road detour will be in place between the SH60/Moutere Highway intersection (Pea Vinner Corner) and SH60/Quayle St-Wharf Road roundabout.
The approved detour route for all vehicles traveling from Nelson or Richmond towards Motueka is: turn left onto Moutere Highway, then turn right and continue on Moutere Highway. Continue to Main Road Lower Moutere, then right onto Wildman Road, left onto Quayle Street (previously High Street South), then left back onto State Highway 60.
Rob Service, Waka Kotahi System Manager Top of the South, says while the work will mean significant short-term disruptions for people living, working, and traveling in the area, the payoff will be a smoother and safer road surface.
“We’re doing as much work as possible between now and mid-December to reduce the impact on people's journeys during the busy holiday season, which is why there’s so much activity at the moment across Nelson and Tasman.”
Tasman District Council E-buses will use their usual route through SH60 however there may be minor delays. School busses will also continue their route through SH60 where they have pick-ups and drop offs.
With temporary speed limits and the detour in place, travel times between Richmond and Motueka will be about 12 minutes longer.
“Last year, crews completed the resurfacing of the Ruby Bay bypass, so this resurfacing is focusing on sections between Maisey Road to Stringer Road, Bronte Road East to Mapua Drive, Wood Loop, and Wharf Road,” says Mr Service.
The one direction closure includes Ruby Bay bypass, because shorter local road options do not suit all vehicle types. This is why the recommended detour is longer than the section of road that will be worked on.
“Other parts of SH60 that will be worked on over the Summer include Tākaka Hill and Riwaka later in October. Maintenance work will then be carried out on High Street, Motueka, Motueka River Bridge, Appleby crusher entrance and McShane Road early next year.
We will have further details about this work closer to the time,” says Mr Service.
“Whenever you come up to a worksite, remember that our road workers are doing their best to complete their work and keep you moving at the same time. Please be kind to them, and follow their advice and instructions," Mr Service says.
SH60 one direction closure and detour details:
