Summer maintenance means smoother and safer journeys for Top of the South Island drivers

Drivers travelling at the top of the South Island can expect lots of activity this summer as NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi invests in resurfacing and rebuilding the region’s highways.

Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island/Top of the South, says it is critical state highways are well-maintained to a reliable standard.

“This work is about ensuring everyone can use them efficiently, quickly, and safely.”

Mr Owen says our busy work programme is underway with one project almost complete.

“It means drivers will see more road crews and work sites when travelling over the next few months.”

"We will do as much work as possible between now and mid-December, which will mean less impact on holiday travel over the summer break,” Mr Owen says.

He says this year’s summer maintenance programme will renew just short of 150 lane kilometres on local state highways – slightly more than what was completed last season.

“This will see around 8,100 tonnes of asphalt and around 100 lane kilometres of chipseal laid by our crews across the Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough regions. The result will be safer, smoother journeys for motorists.”

Most of the work will be done during night closures to minimise disruption and reduce cost through less traffic management.

Work will also be done at several other smaller sites across the top of the South Island under stop/go traffic management. The public will receive further information before the projects begin.

Mr Owen says there's more than just summer maintenance work to do.

"We have repair work on SH60 Tākaka Hill following a slip in July, proactive resilience projects underway on SH63 and about to begin on SH6 Rai Saddle in Marlborough, and ongoing work to repair the Marlborough Sounds roads."

"There are also other ongoing safety improvement projects like the SH6 Tancred Crescent Roundabout at the Marlborough Airport,' Mr Owen says.

He says with so much work planned, drivers need to check road conditions before they travel. 

"Planning ahead and knowing what's happening on the network can save you time and hassles. Knowing when and where roadworks are happening means you can time your travel to avoid them or allow extra time for your trip."

Mr Owen says allowing extra time is essential for people travelling between Christchurch to Picton, and between Blenheim and Nelson.”

“If you’re traveling to the ferry or for an appointment, we recommend allowing an extra 60 minutes travel time between Christchurch and Picton and an extra 30 minutes if you’re traveling between Nelson and Blenheim.”

Mr Owen acknowledges that roadworks occur more frequently during spring, summer, and early autumn and affect people's travel - but there's a good reason for it.

"To be effective and durable, road renewals 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."

"Whenever you come to a worksite, remember that our road workers are doing their best to complete their work and keep you moving. Please be respectful and follow their advice and instructions," Mr Owen says.

Summer maintenance schedule – Top of the South Island

Note: The works in the table above may change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Summer maintenance programme – additional information

• Key holiday periods are kept free of roadworks to help ease the pressure on peak travel times. 
• More information about our summer maintenance work can be found on our website
  •  Highway maintenance 
• Further details about  planned National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) 2024-27 investment for the top of the South Island are also available online 
  • Regional summary Top of the South [PDF, 230 KB]