REMINDER: State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill summer maintenance work starting soon

Night-time closures and day-time stop/go traffic management is on the way as pre-Christmas maintenance work is carried out on State Highway, Tākaka Hill.

Between Sunday, 29 October, and the morning of Friday, 24 November, the road will be closed every Sunday to Thursday between 8 pm and 5:30 am with a short opening around 1 am for queued traffic.

Contractors will reseal parts of the road on both sides of the hill and perform other maintenance work, such as clearing water channels, fixing slips and guard rails.

The highway will also be subject to day-time speed restrictions and stop/go traffic control between Tuesday, 14 November and Friday, 17 November (weather dependent) from 6 am to 6 pm.

During this time, drivers can expect 30-minute travel delays and should factor this into their travel plans.

Contractors are working to ensure the highway will be in top condition for the busy Christmas holiday. Night closures are essential if it is to be completed as quickly as possible.

Because of the road’s narrowness and to keep contractors safe, the road will be closed at night while the work is done. It will allow contractors to complete their work faster.

Waka Kotahi appreciates the closures and day-time speed restrictions will be inconvenient for residents and regular road users. But they are essential as some work, such as chip sealing, must be done during the day when conditions are warm and dry. 

Because travel over the Tākaka Hill is vital for residents and local businesses, day-time access on the route is being maintained.

While the works are underway, drivers are urged to obey speed limits and follow the instructions of contractors. This is to keep road users and road crews safe.

 Night closures:

• The closure will be in place between Riwaka Valley Road, Riwaka and Aaron Creek Road, Upper Tākaka and will run from 29 October to 24 November.
• The closures will be between 8 pm and 5:30 am.
• The road will open once each night around 1 am for traffic at two road closure points.
• Vehicles travelling over the hill need to be at the Aaron Creek Road closure point by 12:30 am or at the Riwaka Valley Road closure point by 1 am.

Daytime Stop/Go traffic controls:

• Day time stop/go traffic management will be in place between Tuesday, 14 and Friday, 17 November.
• It will run from 6 am to 6 pm.
• Drivers should plan ahead and expect 30-minute delays.

Works Location:

Aaron Creek Road - road closure point for eastbound traffic. Road users wanting to travel over Tākaka Hill on the 1 am opening, please be at this location by 12.30 am. 

Riwaka Valley Road - road closure point for westbound traffic. Road users wanting to travel over Tākaka Hill on the 1 am opening, please be at this location by 1 am.

These roadworks are weather dependent and may be rescheduled.