Christchurch's Southern Motorway, from Curletts Road to Springs Road, will be reduced to single-lane traffic in one direction at various times next week for the application of the second coat of chip seal.
This work is expected to result in some delays and motorists are being asked for their patience as this work is completed, says the NZ Transport Agency's Christchurch Highway Manager Colin Knaggs.
"When building a road, two layers of chip seal are applied within a 12-month period to waterproof the pavement in preparation for the final asphalt surface to be laid which provides a smooth ride. The asphalt will be applied to this section of the motorway before Christmas."
He says depending on weather, the westbound lanes of the motorway will be sealed on Monday and Tuesday and the eastbound lanes on Wednesday and Thursday. "This will require one lane of the motorway to be closed at a time, the lane closures being timed to minimise delays."
As with any new chip seal surfacing, Mr Knaggs says there will be temporary speed restrictions in place for a few days because of the loose chip and not all road markings can be in place immediately following the work.
"Within the next few weeks we will apply the final asphalt surface, an open graded porous asphalt, the same as between Barrington Street and Curletts Road. The same procedure of lane closures will be used for this asphalt paving work."
