The NZ Transport Agency has announced it will upgrade the entire surface of the Peka Peka to Ōtaki (PP2Ō) Expressway from chipseal to Open-Graded Porous Asphalt (OGPA).
Senior Manager, Project Delivery Chris Hunt says OGPA provides a smoother surface for drivers, it requires less maintenance, is quieter for roads user and nearby residents and it will cope better with projected traffic volumes.
“It’s vital that the expressway provides great journeys for our customers, both now and in the future,” Mr Hunt says.
“Recent traffic modelling for PP2Ō indicates that traffic volumes just north of Peka Peka are currently at approximately 20,000 vehicles per day. By 2031 this is projected to grow by at least 10% to 15%.”
“As with most major roading projects, chip seal will be put down for the first 12 months to allow the surface to bed-in, enhance waterproofing, and help reduce the risk of early surface failures. Following that 12-month bedding in period, the OGPA will then be applied.”
“The decision to upgrade the road surface was an evidence-based decision based on sound technical advice, but I also want to acknowledge those in the community who have strongly advocated for this,” Mr Hunt says.
