The State Highway summer maintenance programme will be in full swing in Tasman in October with new chipseal to be laid on the State Highway 60, Mariri Causeway (south of Motueka).
A daytime road closure will occur on Saturday, 19 October from 7 am to 5 pm when road workers will chipseal a one-kilometre section of the highway.
Mark Owen, Regional Manager Wellington/Top of the South, says while this work will cause short-term disruption for people living, working, and travelling in the area, the payoff will be a safer road surface.
"We've planned this work for Saturday because it's outside of school hours, there are fewer trucks on the road, and it's one day of the week when there is no public transport operating."
"The reason for doing this work during the day is down to the ground temperature - chipseal has to be laid when the ground is warm to help the new seal set and stick. If it's too cold, the seal will crack and fail," Mr Owen says.
A local road detour will be available via Robinson Road, Main Road Lower Moutere, Wildman Road, and Quayle Street (otherwise known as High Street South). The same detour will apply in reverse for motorists travelling from Motueka to Richmond.
This detour is expected to add up to 10 minutes to travel time. Drivers travelling between Richmond and Motueka must allow extra time for their journeys.
Mr Owen says the Great Taste Cycle Trail will remain open, but the detour route means it will be affected by increased traffic.
“It’s essential drivers and cyclists share the road with care. Cyclists need to be aware there will be more vehicles around them, and drivers must look out for cyclists too.”
Once the chipsealing is completed, the Mariri Causeway will reopen under a temporary speed limit of 50km/hr to give the chipseal time to bed in. Road workers will then sweep clear any loose chip and re-apply road markings.
Drivers must follow all temporary speed limits. They are there to protect the road and vehicles from damage, and to keep people safe. In the event of unforeseen circumstances or bad weather this work will be postponed.
Works schedule:
Detour map for traffic travelling from Richmond to Motueka is via Robinson Road, Main Road Lower Moutere, Wildman Road and Quayle Street.
