March has seen a large increase in roadworks across Taranaki as contractors work hard to complete an ambitious programme of reseals for the region’s state highways.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Regional Manager Maintenance and Operations Jaclyn Hankin says resealing improves the surface layer of the road to help keep everyone who uses it safe.
“Resealing also helps waterproof the road, increasing its longevity, especially ahead of the cold, wet winter months in Taranaki. It also helps to create friction for a safer road surface.”
“Four crews from across the country have been working to seal 55 sites across the region in March and are making good progress. The scale of work is no small feat, with 553,000 litres of bitumen and emulsion, and 4,000 tonnes of chip and aggregate being used to seal over 24km of state highway across the network,” Ms Hankin says.
It is important that drivers follow the temporary traffic management in place and adhere to all speed restrictions for the safety or road users and crews alike.
“Speeding over a freshly sealed road can damage the new seal, lifting and flicking stones from the road that can, in turn, damage your vehicle or others nearby.
“Driving to the conditions enables the new seal to set properly, ensuring its longevity and reducing the risk of damage to vehicles travelling through the site and helping to keep everyone safe,” Ms Hankin says.
“People will continue to see a lot of sealing at sites across the region until the end of the month, so please keep an eye out for our crews, drive to the conditions and be patient as they work to make your journey safer.”
For information about state highway maintenance in Taranaki visit nzta.govt.nz/taranaki-highways
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