Upcoming road works on SH1, SH39 and SH23

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is advising motorists to be aware of a number of road works being carried out during the day on State Highways 1, 39 and 23 from next week (15/16 April 2012).

Road maintenance crews will be moving between these three highways off and on during next week and the week following as required and as weather conditions permit.

• Works on SH1 north of Hamilton include repairs from Horotiu Road north for about 1.4km.  Traffic will be down to two lanes – one north, one south.  There will also be some resealing work carried out on the new Te Rapa section of the Waikato Expressway.  No work on SH1 will be carried out on Friday 20 April to allow for busier traffic levels due to the V8s event on in Hamilton; however warning signage around the works sites will remain in place.
• Resurfacing and resealing works will be carried out on SH 23 near the Raglan Deviation.
• On SH39 there will be three major road works sites being resealed between Whatawhata and Pirongia.  Traffic will be restricted to one lane and there will be ‘stop/go’ traffic signs in operation between 7.00am and 6pm between Monday to Saturday next week.  A 30kph speed restriction will be in place outside those hours due to the amount of loose metal likely to be on the road surface until the resealing is complete.

NZTA Acting State Highway Manager, Karen Boyt, says that given there are three sites within a 20 km section of SH39, it is likely that together this particular set of works will create noticeable delays for motorists. Ms Boyt says alternative routes are available to SH39 on SH1, SH1B or SH3.

However, Ms Boyt says the NZTA doesn’t expect significant delays around the road works sites on SH1 or 23, as access through these areas will be via two lanes.

“We would like to ask motorists to be patient while all of the works are being carried out and to stay aware at all times, as the days and times road crews will be in operation at each site will vary over the next two weeks.  Please slow down, take notice and signage and speed restrictions in place; and where applicable, please follow the direction of our crews’ traffic controllers.”

Ms Boyt says the maintenance work is essential to ensure the ongoing safety of these high-use highways and the NZTA will be carrying out the work swiftly as possible to minimise disruption to traffic.  “We appreciate motorists’ understanding, care and cooperation while these maintenance activities are underway.”