With the summer state highway maintenance underway, drivers are reminded of the correct way to drive on freshly laid chip seal.
In the Wellington and Wairarapa region, drivers can expect to see new chip seal laid at various sites around the region during November.
Planned chip seal works for November – Wellington/Wairarapa State Highway maintenance:
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Location |
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SH53 - Wairarapa, East of Phillips Line |
|
SH2 - North of Masterton, at Opaki and near Lennies Road |
|
Old - SH1 Te Horo |
Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island / Top of the South, says it is essential drivers follow speed limits when driving on these roads when they are resurfaced.
“The 30 km/h limits are there for very good reasons. If you drive too fast, you will damage the road surface, meaning the work has to be redone – creating even more travel delays. You also risk flicking stone chips and damaging other vehicles.”
“If you drive too slowly, the road will end up getting stuck to your car. Trust me, having bitumen and road chips on your car is not something you want to happen,” Mr Owen says.
Mark Owen says chip sealing is essential to regular highway maintenance and must be done if roads are to be kept safe for road users.
“New seal on the road is like paint on your house – it keeps the water out. Like paint, the seal breaks down over time and starts to let water in. That’s when we see things like potholes and other damage occurring.”
“A road may still look like it is in good condition before works begin. But that does not mean chip sealing is not needed. Like a repainting your house, the best time to reseal is just before damage occurs.” Mr Owen says.
With a busy summer maintenance programme ahead, Mark Owen is encouraging drivers to be patient at road work sites and to respect road crews.
“We do understand that people don’t want to be held up when they’re on the roads and delays from road works can be frustrating. However, the work is essential and helps keep our highways safe. Please, don’t lose your rag at our crews. They are working for you.”
Additional information and advice:
