Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Waka Kotahi says it has been full steam ahead on state highway sealing in Taranaki this season, with crews completing half the summer sealing programme prior to Christmas.
Taranaki Maintenance and Operations Manager for Waka Kotahi Rob Service says crews have been working hard to ensure the region’s roads are safe and reliable ahead of the busy holiday season.
“Thirty-nine sites have been re-sealed across the region, and highways have been rebuilt at four locations. Asphalting has also been undertaken in several locations around New Plymouth and Stratford.
“Work has now stopped for the summer holiday travel period, no minimise delays for people travelling. We’ll be back on the job with all hands on deck from 9 January 2023,” says Mr Service.
While non-essential maintenance activities pause during this time, traffic lights and temporary speed restrictions will remain in place to ensure the safety of road workers on State Highway 3 north of New Plymouth at the following locations:
- Mt. Messenger (temporary speed restriction of 50km/hr)
- Tongapōrutu north of Hutiwai Road (traffic light stop/go)
- Awakino Gorge south of Awakau Road (traffic light stop/go)
- Awakino Tunnel Bypass (temporary speed restrictions of 70km/hr)
- Mangaotaki, between Mangarongo and Paekaka Roads (traffic light stop/go).
In the new year, road works will get underway at the following sites:
- Main North Road, SH3, Onaero between Ohanga Road and Onaero River Road
- South Road, SH3, Mokoia and Manawapou
- Waihi Road, SH3, Hāwera between Fantham and Hunter Streets
“The roads around Taranaki are likely to be busy during the holiday period and people should expect some delays, particularly north of New Plymouth on SH3. We ask motorists to plan ahead, abide by the traffic management in place and allow extra time for their journeys,” says Mr Service.
“As the temperatures start to warm up, newly sealed roads may also show signs of ‘bleeding seal’ or sticky surfaces. This happens when the bitumen softens and rises above the chip seal road surface. Please be aware and drive to the conditions.
“Waka Kotahi contractors will be monitoring road surfaces and can deploy water trucks to cool the sites if needed,” says Mr Service.
With the high volumes of rain lately crews have been working hard to repair potholes on SH3 and SH45. A crew will be monitoring the network over the holiday period to ensure the safety of the roads.
Motorists are advised to visit the Journey Planner website for the latest up-to-date holiday travel information.
