Contractors will be hard at work on a key State Highway 60 summer maintenance project this month.
They will carry out extensive resurfacing work on the Commercial Street in Tākaka, with 10 nights of closures planned from 17 to 28 November.
To keep drivers and contractors safe, the highway will be closed to all traffic between Meihana Street and Motupipi Street from 5:30 pm to 6:30 am. No work will be done on Friday, 22, or Saturday, 23 November.
A local road detour will be available for all vehicles.
Rob Service, System Manager Nelson-Tasman, says the resurfacing is essential.
“We know the public gets frustrated by road works, but this is actually an important investment to ensure the highway is kept safe and reliable for everyone. A well-maintained highway is a win-win for everyone.”
"We are doing our best to minimise the impact as much as possible. Our contractors will work overnight when there is less traffic, and the road will be open during the day when most people use it,” Mr Service says.
Once asphalting is complete, road markings will be reinstated under night works with stop/go controls and a 30 km/h speed limit.
During the night closures, a detour will be in place via Meihana Street and Motupipi Street. This detour is expected to add up to five minutes to travel times.
Mr Service says because it is the main route between Golden Bay and Nelson, drivers must be ready for it.
“Please, don’t let the night works catch you out. Factor them into your travel plans and make sure you get to where you’re going on time.”
This work follows on from asphalting work that will be completed during the current night closures on SH60 Tākaka Hill that began on Sunday 3 November.
Works schedule:
Summer Maintenance Season - tips and advice:
State highway maintenance frequently asked questions
Tips for driving through worksites (video)(external link)