Drivers can expect smoother journeys on State Highway 6 - Kohatu-Kawatiri, with the road to undergo reconstruction next month.
The work is part of the $147 million 2024/27 National Land Transport Programme investment in state highways across the top of the South Island.
Contractors will be on the job near Tunnicliff Bridge, between Motupiko and Korere, for six weeks beginning Monday 29 October. The work will continue through to Friday 6 December.
Rob Service, System Manager Top of the South, says many residents and drivers are looking forward to seeing this part of State Highway 6 fixed.
“We’ve previously carried out a number of temporary patches on this section of road, but the pavement has reached the end of its life. We’re getting in now to do long-term repairs, making the highway safer and travel easier.”
For the first three weeks (29 October to 15 November) the work will be carried out during the day from Monday to Friday under stop/go traffic controls. Drivers will need to factor in around 15-minute delays through the area.
Between 18 and 29 November, the highway will be closed during the day between Motupiko and Korere due to the narrowness of the Tunnicliffe Bridge section of the road. A local road detour will be available during this time, but drivers must allow an extra 20 minutes of travel time.
From 2 to 6 December, the site will return to daytime stop/go as road crews tidy up and disestablish the site.
Rob Service says temporary speed limits will be in place to keep road crews and drivers safe while the repairs are underway.
“We understand it will be a significant disruption this for many people who live on and drive on this road, including people travelling between the West Coast, Tasman and Nelson.”
“However, it’s a case of short-term pain for long-term gain. Investing in road reconstruction like this significantly reduces the roadworks the highway will need in the future. Yes, there will be delays now - but looking ahead, drivers can expect a much easier drive,” Mr Service says.
He acknowledges that roadworks occur more frequently during spring, summer, and early autumn and affect people's travel - but that is the best time to do major roadworks.
"Road reconstruction and re-sealing must be done during the warmer, drier months. It can't be done during winter when the weather is wet and cold. Not if you want the work to be durable and effective."
“And Mr Service says every effort is being made to minimise disruption for the public
We’ve timed the work to begin after Labour Weekend and have it completed before the busy Christmas holiday season. That means the road will be clear when traffic is at its busiest.”
31 October 2024: The State Highway 6 Kohatu-Kawatiri road reconstruction map is updated.
