Motorists are being advised to plan ahead and prepare for delays as the summer works programme gets underway around the Waikato.
The warm summer months are the main time for doing maintenance work on the roads as that is the time that the seal will stick best to the road surface.
This summer around $18.2 million will be spent on repairs to the Waikato state highway network says Regional Performance Manager Karen Boyt.
“Travellers taking to the road this summer should plan their journeys, abide by all speed signs and drive with extra care around road works,” Ms Boyt says.
Some works around holiday hotspots include upgrading stretches of the road and barriers to State Highway 1 East Taupo Arterial and pavement renewal through the Huntly township in January
Work will continue on the Mokau slip on State Highway 3 to open the road to two lanes as well as a number of projects to improve the reliability of State Highway 3 through the Mangaotaki and Awakino area.
There will also be work to strengthen the State Highway 1 bridge over Tongariro River at Turangi as well as road repairs at Whangamata and Whangapoua on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Motorists can get real time information from:
For Waikato/Bay of Plenty updates
For current travel times use: www.drivelive.nz(external link)
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Work or events that are scheduled to start this week or are currently underway are detailed below to help people plan ahead when travelling. Works and events are weather dependent and may be postponed if necessary.
State Highway 3 Awakino Tunnel
Contractors will be working in Awakino Tunnel next week and SH3 motorists can expect delays of up to 10 minutes as traffic is managed through the site. The work is planned for Thursday 15 December to ensure there is a good surface over the holiday break.
State Highway 1, northbound - road Surface Repairs, North of Hampton Downs
On the nights of 19th and 20th December, one of the two northbound lanes north of the Hampton Downs interchange will be closed while we undertake repair work to the road surface. Work will be undertaken overnight and a temporary speed limit will be in place. This will mean that there will be some delays to travel in the area which will be kept to less than 10minutes.
Waikato State Highway network reseals
The annual reseal program is under way. There will be stop/go in place at various sites across the Waikato with minor delays. This work is weather dependant. Please be aware of large machinery and workers at these sites. Keeping to the temporary speed limits, which are usually around 30 kilometres per hours, is important for safety and to ensure the stone chips bed-in well instead of flicking up on other vehicles. The NZ Transport Agency says road users allow extra time and look out for sealing crews.
On the Thames Coast travellers can expect short delays next week while resealing work is done between Thames and Coromandel town on SH25.
State Highway 30 Te Teko to Awakeri
The road is being widened and flexible safety barriers are being installed between Te Teko and Awakeri to improve safety. Stop/go signs may be used but delays should not exceed five minutes.
Bay of Plenty State Highway network reseals
The annual reseal program is under way. There will be stop/go in place at various sites across the Bay of Plenty with minor delays. This work is weather dependant. Please be aware of large machinery and workers at these sites. Keeping to the temporary speed limits, which are usually around 30 kilometres per hours, is important for safety and to ensure the stone chips bed-in well instead of flicking up on other vehicles. The NZ Transport Agency says road users allow extra time and look out for sealing crews.
There could be delays of between 5-10 minutes on State Highway 2 from Taneatua to east of Opotiki between Monday 12th December and Wednesday 14th December.
Te Puke Highway
Work is continuing on different sections of the highway from north and south of Te Puke town centre. The work involves widening and curbing of the road.
At the Ohineangaanga Stream Bridge there will be resurfacing on Sunday night and Monday night. People can expect delays.
Beach Road, Waihi Beach
Rehabilitation and drainage work is being carried out in the gorge section. Please drive with care through these works and observe the temporary speed limits.
Other road work sites:
SH2 Sargent Drive to Wainui Stream bridge, road widening with speed restrictions in place and minor delays expected.
SH36 Keenan Road intersection, turn lane construction. Take care through this site.
SH29A Welcome Bay Roundabout. The existing right turn bay from SH29A is being extended to better cope with the afternoon traffic queues.
SH2 Te Puna Rd intersection – There will be a new temporary lane layout and traffic management will be in place. Extra care will be required and stay within the narrowed lanes. Drivers can expect significant delays of over 15 minutes during the busier times and should watch their following distances carefully.
