Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists they may see patches of shiny black road surface known as ‘flushing’ as they travel along the State Highway 2 corridor between Waihī and Tauranga.
Bay of Plenty System Manager Roger Brady says this flushing is due to bitumen expanding in hot weather and rising to the surface.
“Flushing mostly occurs at the start of the summer season as warmer weather draws moisture from the road and, in extreme cases, lifts the surface of the road in chunks.
“Our contractors are doing what they can to fix this issue promptly when it occurs, and we encourage motorists to phone in any sites where flushing seems particularly noticeable.
“Contractors can then lay a fine layer of chip to mitigate the impacts.”
People can report bitumen flushing to Waka Kotahi using the 0800 4 HIGHWAYS phone number.
This is what you can expect to see on your journey between Waihī and Tauranga this week:
We advise to keep an eye on our Waikato/BOP Facebook page for confirmed dates for this work and check the Journey Planner website before you travel.
Motorists should follow the relevant temporary speed limits to ensure the safety of other road users, road workers and themselves, and to avoid damaging their vehicles.
For at least 24 hours after a site is sealed, and before being swept, it continues to operate under a reduced temporary speed limit while vehicles travel over the seal and help “bed in” the chip. This helps reduce the risk of windscreen damage. Sites are then swept, excess chip removed, and the temporary speed limit remains in place until line marking is reinstated (within 48 hours, weather dependent).
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