Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Summer is just around the corner, but Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s summer maintenance season has already begun in Gisborne.
Since October and through to December before camping season kicks off, maintenance crews are repairing and resurfacing more than 40 kilometres of the state highway network across the region.
Regional Maintenance and Operations Manager Jaclyn Hankin says the over $5 million maintenance programme for Gisborne this summer is intended to maintain and improve state highways across the region to make them safer and more resilient.
“Between October and March each year is when we carry out the bulk of our maintenance work as this is when weather conditions are warm and dry, which is ideal for resurfacing and making permanent repairs to potholes that are more difficult to keep on top of during winter.
“People in Gisborne have probably already noticed several road work sites pop up on State Highway 2 and State Highway 35 over the last few weeks, with more sites set to undergo repairs and resurfacing in the coming weeks.
“The roads are likely to be very busy over summer, with more work sites and road workers, along with more people travelling to holiday destinations.
“Traffic management, such as temporary speed limits, signs and cones, will be used to alert road users to a change in the road or to works ahead, and to help ensure the safety of our road workers.
“When motorists disregard the traffic management they put their safety, and that of other road users and our road workers, at risk. Please be patient and take extra care when travelling through our work sites. Let’s all do our bit to make sure everyone gets home safely this summer.”
Road repair sites that have been completed, are underway or are planned include:
- SH35 between Thomas Road and Waihau Road (completed)
- SH35 Waiomoko Road (completed)
- SH35 Turihaua Station between Dive Tatapouri and Poawa Beach (underway)
- SH35 between Anaura Road and Matairau Road (planned)
- SH2 north between Te Wera Road and Gisborne/BOP boundary (completed)
- SH2 between Cliff Road and Dymocks Road (underway)
- SH2 between Ngakoroa Road and Crosswell Road (underway)
- SH2 south between Puninga Road and Tarewa Road (underway)
- SH2 south between Maraetaha Road and Coop Road (underway)
In addition to these repair sites, resurfacing work is also taking place on SH35 Tolaga Bay south to Gisborne and SH2 Traffords Hill towards Gisborne. All repair and resurfacing work is weather-dependent.
Christmas and New Year is a busy time for the region, with holidaymakers from across the country heading to sunny Gisborne to enjoy their summer break. There is a stand-down period for road works during this time to minimise disruption and congestion for locals and travellers.
As with previous years, Waka Kotahi will temporarily lower the speed around the freedom camping area at Pouawa to 60km/h, from December 20 to February 1, to help keep campers safe during peak camping season.
Waka Kotahi will use mobile message boards, social media and radio advertising to keep people informed ahead of major works. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead by checking the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website and social media channels before heading off.
People who would like to report a maintenance issue on a state highway can do so by calling 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).
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