Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Contractors will be hard at work on a key State Highway 60 summer maintenance project this month.
They will carry out extensive resurfacing work on the Commercial Street in Tākaka, with 10 nights of closures planned from 17 to 28 November.
To keep drivers and contractors safe, the highway will be closed to all traffic between Meihana Street and Motupipi Street from 5:30 pm to 6:30 am. No work will be done on Friday, 22, or Saturday, 23 November.
A local road detour will be available for all vehicles.
Rob Service, System Manager Nelson-Tasman, says the resurfacing is essential.
“We know the public gets frustrated by road works, but this is actually an important investment to ensure the highway is kept safe and reliable for everyone. A well-maintained highway is a win-win for everyone.”
“We are doing our best to minimise the impact as much as possible. Our contractors will work overnight when there is less traffic, and the road will be open during the day when most people use it,” Mr Service says.
Once asphalting is complete, road markings will be reinstated under night works with stop/go controls and a 30 km/h speed limit.
During the night closures, a detour will be in place via Meihana Street and Motupipi Street. This detour is expected to add up to five minutes to travel times.
Mr Service says because it is the main route between Golden Bay and Nelson, drivers must be ready for it.
“Please, don’t let the night works catch you out. Factor them into your travel plans and make sure you get to where you’re going on time.”
This work follows on from asphalting work that will be completed during the current night closures on SH60 Tākaka Hill that began on Sunday 3 November.
Works schedule:
- Sunday, 17 November to Thursday, 28 November (excluding Friday 22 and Saturday 23 November), 5:30 pm – 6:30 am.
- The worksite is located on SH60, Commercial Street in the Tākaka township, between Meihana Street and Motupipi Street.
- During the work, the worksite will be closed to all traffic. Road users must detour via Meihana Street and Motupipi Street.
- During the closure access to Buxton Lane will be via Motupipi Street. There will be no access between SH60 and Buxton Lane.
- There will be times when direct access to Junction Street or Riley Street from SH60 will be impacted. To ensure continuous access to these streets during work hours, access from SH60 to one of these streets will remain open. Follow onsite signage.
- Outside of the closure time, State Highway 60 will reopen between 6:30am and 5:30pm but a reduced temporary speed limit of 30km/h will be in place.
- These works are weather-dependent and may be delayed.
Summer Maintenance Season – tips and advice:
- Drivers need to be aware other summer maintenance and resilience works are happening around the region.
- Due to the number of worksites on each corridor we recommend allowing an extra 30 – 45 minutes travel time on State Highway 6 between Nelson and West Coast and State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim.
- We recommend allowing an extra 60-minutes travel time on State Highway 1 between Picton and Christchurch.
- Drivers should check road conditions before they travel as knowing when and where road works are happening means you can time your travel to avoid them or allow extra time for your trip.
- Whenever you come to a worksite, remember that our road workers are doing their best to complete their work and keep you moving. Please be respectful and follow their advice and instructions.
State highway maintenance frequently asked questions
Tips for driving through worksites (video)(external link)
