The NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists that it will be undertaking urgent repair and resurfacing work to a number of stretches of highway over the coming weeks on the Kapiti Coast, but delays are expected to be minor because the work is being carried out at night.
The two main areas for repair and resurfacing work are a 300 metre stretch of State Highway 1 just south of the Otaihanga roundabout and the main road through Otaki township, from Waerenga Road and Arthur Street.
The work in Otaki along State Highway 1 and is expected to take about three nights. Crews will be onsite from 7 pm – 6 am, starting tonight. If bad weather should strike, work will be postponed until the next suitable night.
Work south of the Otaihanga roundabout is scheduled for September/October and is also likely to be done at night.
"While we generally do repair and resurfacing work on the highway over the summer months, cold winter temperatures, storms and rain can damage the road surface, which means we have to do repair work even before spring arrives," says Regional Performance Manager Mark Owen. "This involves fixing the sections of highway most in need, and then we undertake our full programme of repair and resurfacing work over the summer months."
"Most repair and resealing work is done over the summer months is simply because we need warm temperatures and dry air to help the new seal stick to the road surface. Cold winter temperatures and ground conditions can make the new surface harden and crack which is not ideal."
Mr Owen says that the Transport Agency will do its best to minimise any disruption to traffic.
"The work is scheduled to be done at night to keep any delays to a minimum. We would ask that motorists drive carefully here while the roadworks are going on. Should you be driving at night, there will be traffic management in place, with reduced speed limits. For your safety, the safety of our road crews and to prevent damage to your vehicle please stick to the temporary speed limits. We expect to have the road fully open each morning."
Mr Owen says that while working at night minimises disruption, roadworks can at times be noisy and the crews will take extra care to keep any noise to a minimum.
While roadworks can be frustrating, well-maintained road surfaces are crucial to keeping New Zealanders safe on the state highways.
"On behalf of everyone here at the Transport Agency, thank you in advance for your patience, understanding and courtesy while we do this important work to keep Kiwis safer on our roads."
Drivers can also join the Transport Agency’s Twitter feed (@NZTAWgtn) to get real-time updates about what’s happening in and around the Wellington region. Information is also available by signing up at www.onthemove.govt.nz or by calling 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).
For more information please contact:
Anthony Frith
Media Manager - Central
T: 04 894 5251
M: 027 213 7617
E: anthony.frith@nzta.govt.nz
