Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Drainage improvement work is starting next week on State Highway 4 (SH4) between Mapara North and Kopaki roads north of Taumarunui.
The work will begin on Monday 11 August and run through until mid-September, weather permitting.
Crews will be on site between 6am and 6pm Monday to Saturday.
The stretch of SH4, approximately 3 kilometres in length, will be under a combination of contraflow (two-way) and stop/go traffic management between Mapara North and Kopaki roads, with delays of approximately 10-15 minutes.
During the 5 weeks of work, existing drainage will be upgraded to protect the road and improve the resilience of this area of SH4.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Project Manager Kendra Ludeke says saturated ground conditions along this stretch of highway is causing an issue with the settlement of the road surface.
“This work, to install 5 large drains, is designed to take water from the hillside, directing it away from the road and ultimately improving stability.
“The 5 drains will be installed from the hill side, and run at angles of between 6 and 12 degrees for 20 to 30 metres in length under the road and out the other side.
“Water is the enemy of most infrastructure projects and being able to draw as much water as possible from hillsides and away from roads is the best way to ensure our roads remain safe and resilient,” says Ms Ludeke.
Access to property within the work site will be maintained.
In the event of unsuitable weather, work will be postponed to the next suitable day.
Motorists are asked to follow the instructions of road workers and temporary traffic management in place.
The work is funded by the Crown Resilience Programme – a $419 million investment package of resilience improvement activities that will reduce the impact of severe weather events on our national roading networks.
The total Crown Resilience Programme comprises $279 million for activities on state highways.