Over the next 3 years, the Waikato region is benefiting from the national funding injection of over $2 billion for pothole prevention and maintenance, with a significant volume of road renewals planned in this region over the next 3 summers.
In total over 180 lane kilometres of road will either be rebuilt or resealed, with a substantial portion of this planned to take place over the next 6 months.
Roger Brady, Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) explains that while this is great news for everyone, it is necessary to crack a few roading eggs to make the perfect network omelette.
“The Waikato state highway network is extensive and heavily used every day by a variety of road users, including freight operators, commuters and tourists. To complete the volume of road renewals in our region there will be disruption across the network.
“We’re looking at how we can minimise disruption by thinking differently and challenging ourselves and our suppliers to be as efficient and effective as possible. This includes using methods such as road closures to allow suppliers to get in and complete work in a quicker and safer way, and with fewer road cones.
This approach is already in use on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Tīrau to Waiouru maintenance project. The stage between Tīrau and Putāruru has already been completed and the next stage between Tokoroa to Kinleith/Upper Ātiamuri started this week.
“We’re using the increase in funding to rebuild more roads, which will improve the overall condition of the state highway network,” says Mr Brady. “This means smoother journeys for everyone – but we need to make the most of the warmer, drier weather to get the right result.
“The renewal season is a game of 2 halves – we’ve started early to make the most of the weather now, and we’ll be pushing through until Christmas, completing as much as we can. After a short break over the holiday period road workers will be back at it until autumn sets in.”
“Highlights of the programme include significant resealing around the Coromandel Peninsula, a number of asphalt resurfacing sites at the southern end of Hamilton along with the major rebuild programme on SH1 between Tīrau and Waiouru.
“With so much work taking place it is inevitable people will come across worksites and traffic management. We thank you for your patience in advance. When you see roadworkers out on the road, travel safely through their worksites, follow signage and any instructions you receive, and give them a wave to say thanks for their tremendous work.”
More information on the map attached.
This work is funded through the State Highway Maintenance and Pothole Prevention activity classes in the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).
