NZ Transport Agency Project Manager Chris Collins says most of the realignment of State Highway 73 at Mingha Bluff is already being enjoyed by commuters but re-work of the seal will continue as weather allows over autumn and spring.
We are completing some re-work of the seal to ensure the longevity of the project. This work will continue while the warm weather holds out but will need to cease during poorer weather through the middle of the year and re-start and complete in spring. We apologise that some work on the road will continue in spring but thank commuters for their patience, particularly with road crews who are working in difficult terrain.”
The Mingha Bluff to Rough Creek realignment project has occurred along a 5km length of SH73, removing many narrow points and tight corners and introducing safety edge barriers.
“These works are the most significant improvements on this stretch of highway in more than a decade,” says Mr Collins. “Some severe rain over the past two summer seasons and the need for further work means we can already see that the re-work of the seal will move into spring.
“We still plan for a community celebration of this project,” says Mr Collins “But we expect this to occur later in the year.”
He said the realignment was already allowing for better forward visibility along the road due to the improved shape and width of the highway.
