Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Resurfacing work on SH60 in the Tasman region will begin next week, with the aim of getting the road in top shape before the busy Christmas holiday period.
From Monday 9 to Friday 20 October, between 6am and 6pm, crews will be out resurfacing SH60 between Appleby and Motueka.
During this time, one direction of the state highway (west-bound from Appleby to Motueka) will be closed to accommodate the work safely. The other direction, (east-bound) on SH60 (from Motueka to Appleby) will remain open.
For people traveling from Nelson or Richmond, a local road detour will be in place between the SH60/Moutere Highway intersection (Pea Vinner Corner) and SH60/Quayle St-Wharf Road roundabout.
The approved detour route for all vehicles traveling from Nelson or Richmond towards Motueka is: turn left onto Moutere Highway, then turn right and continue on Moutere Highway. Continue to Main Road Lower Moutere, then right onto Wildman Road, left onto Quayle Street (previously High Street South), then left back onto State Highway 60.
Rob Service, Waka Kotahi System Manager Top of the South, says while the work will mean significant short-term disruptions for people living, working, and traveling in the area, the payoff will be a smoother and safer road surface.
“We’re doing as much work as possible between now and mid-December to reduce the impact on people’s journeys during the busy holiday season, which is why there’s so much activity at the moment across Nelson and Tasman.”
Tasman District Council E-buses will use their usual route through SH60 however there may be minor delays. School busses will also continue their route through SH60 where they have pick-ups and drop offs.
With temporary speed limits and the detour in place, travel times between Richmond and Motueka will be about 12 minutes longer.
“Last year, crews completed the resurfacing of the Ruby Bay bypass, so this resurfacing is focusing on sections between Maisey Road to Stringer Road, Bronte Road East to Mapua Drive, Wood Loop, and Wharf Road,” says Mr Service.
The one direction closure includes Ruby Bay bypass, because shorter local road options do not suit all vehicle types. This is why the recommended detour is longer than the section of road that will be worked on.
“Other parts of SH60 that will be worked on over the Summer include Tākaka Hill and Riwaka later in October. Maintenance work will then be carried out on High Street, Motueka, Motueka River Bridge, Appleby crusher entrance and McShane Road early next year.
We will have further details about this work closer to the time,” says Mr Service.
“Whenever you come up to a worksite, remember that our road workers are doing their best to complete their work and keep you moving at the same time. Please be kind to them, and follow their advice and instructions,” Mr Service says.
SH60 one direction closure and detour details:
- State Highway 60 between Moutere Highway and Quayle Street/Wharf Road roundabout will be closed to west-bound traffic (Motueka bound) from 9-20 October between 6am and 6pm.
- The work is weather dependent. Bad weather may see the project extended to 27 October. No work will be undertaken over Labour weekend.
- A local road detour will be in place for all vehicles traveling from Nelson/Richmond to Motueka (using Moutere Highway).
- If there are any incidents on the local road detour that mean traffic cannot travel on the detour, work on SH60 will stop and reopen in both directions.
- Tasman District Council E-buses, and school buses with stops on SH60 (westbound) will continue their usual route – please keep an eye on https://ebus.dynamis.live/#/home(external link) for bus timetables and live tracking.
