Sections of state highway across Taranaki will be repaired and re-sealed over coming months, with Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency’s spring/summer road maintenance programme underway.
Taranaki Transport System Manager Ross I’Anson says Waka Kotahi will be delivering a considerable amount of roadworks across the region over the next few months to improve the roads, increase safety and make people’s journeys more enjoyable.
“Warmer spring and summer months are the best time for resurfacing as daylight hours are longer and the warm temperatures and dry air help the new seal stick to the road surface.”
Some of the region's significant work sites this season will include State Highway 3 at the Rugby Road underpass between Tariki and Norfolk Road near Stratford, SH3 Kakaramea south of Hawera, SH3 at Inglewood, and SH3 Mangamaio north of Urenui.
This is in addition to important projects currently underway or about to begin in the region, such as the Awakino Tunnel Bypass, Mt Messenger Bypass, Waitara to Bell Block safety improvements, and the programme of improvements on State Highway 43 (Forgotten World Highway) aimed at increasing tourism to the Taranaki region, making the road safer for locals and increasing the resilience of the Central North Island’s transport network.
Mr I’Anson says Waka Kotahi is also looking at options to address issues with the road where SH3 meets Rotokare Road, south of Eltham.
“Waka Kotahi is committed to ensuring our state highways remain safe and resilient.
“Taranaki’s volcanic ground conditions, coupled with significant groundwater and rainfall, mean the road surface isn’t as resilient as in other regions. It is a challenging environment, but we are working hard to create a safe and well-maintained road network.
“Last year we delivered our biggest ever annual maintenance programme. This year we will be implementing more cost-effective repair solutions such as pothole repairs and localised patching work rather than more significant maintenance improvements. This should result is less disruption on the network for motorists.”
Most work will stop before busy holiday travel periods like Labour weekend, Christmas and New Year, to minimise disruption to people’s journeys.
“While we try to keep inconveniences and delays to a minimum, we urge people to plan their journeys and allow for some delays from road works.
“We want to keep everyone safe when driving through road work sites, and that includes our road workers. Please slow down, leave space, obey traffic management staff and signage, and be patient through road works.”
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