The NZ Transport Agency says a temporary 50km/h speed limit extending into a 100km/h section of State highway 1 north of Mataura is likely to be lifted in the next week or two.
The speed restriction is operating to safely manage areas of excess bitumen build-up on this 3km section of State highway 1 identified during a recent annual highway inspection.
Peter Robinson, Transport Agency Senior Network Manager for Southland said bitumen build up isn’t uncommon on road surfaces such as this one that is over 14 years-old. Initially we put up extra slippery when wet signs at the site, but trucks in particular were struggling with the surface.
“The greatest traffic demand is on the approach to the permanent 70km/hr sign and this is where remedial work will start. Our contractors will use specialist equipment to remove the excess bitumen to create a safer braking surface for the winter. They have started work and the immediate area around the speed limit change should be completed in the next couple of weeks.”
Mr Robinson said we will then test the surface to ensure its robust enough to last through the winter. If safe enough to do so, we will be lifting the 50km/hr to 70km/h or if we can get a good braking surface, remove the temporary speed restrictions completely.
In the warmer spring months, this section of highway will be coated with a specially designed seal used world-wide for this type of surfacing issue.
For more information please contact:
Bob Nettleton
Regional Communications Advisor
T: 03 951 3005
M: 021 954 928
E: bob.nettleton@nzta.govt.nz
