Re-surfacing on State Highway 2 re-scheduled to start Sunday night

The NZ Transport Agency advises motorists that re-surfacing work on two sections of State Highway 2, has been re-scheduled to start on Sunday, November 18 for five nights.

The work was due to start last weekend, but was cancelled at short notice because of forecast bad weather.

It will now start this Sunday and Monday nights between Dobson Road and Mangatawhiri Road near the SH1 interchange at Pokeno. It will continue from Tuesday to Thursday between Dimmock Road and Heaven Road before the SH2/25 roundabout leading to Thames.

The resurfacing will take place between 7pm and 5am when traffic is lightest and the road crews can work, quickly, safely and efficiently. There will be stop/go traffic management to keep one lane open and a temporary 30 kph speed limit in place, but motorists should expect delays, says the NZ Transport Agency’s System Manager Wayne Oldfield.

The Transport Agency advises motorists intending to travel on SH2 during this time to allow extra time for their journey, or plan ahead to avoid the resurfacing hours.

The Transport Agency thanks motorists for their patience and understanding while this essential maintenance is completed ahead of the summer holiday period. Please keep to the temporary speed limit to ensure the safety of the road crews and all motorists.

Tips for driving on freshly-laid chip seal:

• Get ready: slow down to the temporary speed limit BEFORE reaching the coned area
• Leave space: keep at least 2 car lengths from the vehicle in front
• Avoid braking: tap the brakes lightly if required
• Don’t drive too fast: your vehicle will scatter road chips and may damage other vehicles
• Don’t drive too slow: your vehicle will sink into the road surface causing bitumen and chips to stick to your wheels
• Avoid heavy braking: keep moving and avoid sudden braking to avoid damaging the fresh surface

Vehicles travelling at the temporary speed limit of 30 kph help press the new chips into the seal. Road sweepers will regularly go over the new seal to remove loose chips

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

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• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)
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