Work will begin on SH56 next Monday (6 March) to reseal half a kilometre of road at Longburn.
The work to reseal the section of road between the Longburn Overbridge and Charles Cross Street is expected to take four weeks to complete.
To allow contractors to complete the work, SH56 will be closed to northbound traffic from 6 to 31 March, between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday.
A detour is available. Northbound traffic will be diverted down Tiakitahuna Road to No 1 Line to Longburn Rongotea Road then back out onto State Highway 56. Southbound traffic will travel through the work site, which will have a 30km/h temporary speed limit in place.
Access to all local properties, Longburn School, and local businesses will be available throughout these works.
In the event of bad weather, work will begin on the next fine day.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s Manawatū-Whanganui System Manager of Maintenance and Operations, Rob Service, says the northbound detour allows contractors to undertake this essential resurfacing work safely, while also minimising delays for people driving on the road.
“Our contractors will rebuild and resurface this section of State Highway 56. There are various phases to this renewal work, including hoeing the existing pavement, adding additional base course gravel, grade compact and sealing with a first coat.”
“Contractors will return to the site in about 12 months to add the second coat seal. This is typically what happens in road construction around the country – to ensure the first coat is well driven to prevent flushing.”
Flushing is where bitumen rises through the road surface covering the chip, resulting in a lack of texture and skid resistance. In wet weather, it also does not allow water to drain away effectively. People are asked to follow traffic management directions and adhere to speed restrictions to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to minimise the risk of damage to both vehicles and any new seal.
“We want to pass on our thanks for all users of this stretch of road for their patience over the coming four weeks. This is essential maintenance work for the road,” says Mr Service.
