Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
‘Twas the night before the night before Christmas, when all through the nation…
Not a state highway work site was stirring, to help curb holiday driver frustration
Some cones and temporary speed limits remained, positioned with care,
To help everyone travel safely, from here to there.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on Taranaki state highways, as work sites wind down ahead of the busy holiday break.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency work sites close down from 23 December to 5 January to leave the roads clear for holiday traffic, but there may still be temporary speed limits and road cones at some work sites or where there has been recent road sealing or repairs.
Work to seal the Forgotten World Highway (State Highway 43) through the Tangarakau Gorge will pause from 5pm today (Friday 17 December) with crews returning to work on Tuesday 11 January. During this time, the road will be reinstated to two lanes.
Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships Linda Stewart says Waka Kotahi and its contractors stop most work before busy holiday travel periods like Christmas and New Year’s, to minimise disruption to people’s journeys.
“Always take care when driving through road work sites and follow the temporary speed restrictions to ensure everyone stays safe on our roads.
“Traffic management, such as temporary speed limits, signs and cones, is used to alert road users to a change in the road conditions or to works ahead, so look out for the signs and please take care in the run up to Christmas and during the holiday period,” Ms Stewart says.
“There will be some holiday congestion and delays, and we all need to factor that into our plans. Trying to ‘make up lost time’ by speeding and unsafe overtaking puts everyone using the road at risk.”
Ms Stewart thanks motorists for their patience when traveling over the Christmas-New Year holiday break and wishes people a relaxing time with family and friends.
“Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.”
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