Each summer NZTA carries out a road renewal programme to keep Marlborough’s state highways safe and accessible in order to support economic growth and productivity. Our teams maintain and manage the state highways from the top of the Rai Saddle on State Highway 6 down to State Highway 1 Wharanui on East Coast and across to St Arnaud on State Highway 63. The team also maintains State Highway 62 Rapaura Road.
We prioritise road safety, reducing disruption and minimising future costs by targeting areas with the greatest needs, focusing on the high-risk areas and those with high traffic volumes. Most maintenance work happens during the spring and summer months when there is reduced rain and warmer weather. The warmer temperatures and dry air helps new seal stick to the road and ensures the durability and quality of the finished product.
This season we are investing in one of the largest road rebuild programmes ever delivered in Marlborough, along with a large number of resealing and resurfacing sites across the region. This rebuild programme is in addition to our regular maintenance work that takes place each summer.
This significant additional investment in the Marlborough state highway network will mean you see a lot more activity out on the roads, especially during the peak summer. This investment aligns with the Government Policy Statement (GPS) Land Transport by demonstrating improved network condition, preventing further deterioration, reducing costs, and minimising disruptions. The work will be delivered by Marlborough Roads on behalf of NZTA.
We’ll make sure to minimise any disruptions to road users as much as we can while we complete these important works, which will improve the road and make everyone’s journey safer and more enjoyable.
Winter may bring colder, wetter conditions but our Marlborough maintenance teams stay busy keeping state highways safe. While road resealing isn’t suitable in winter, essential work continues including drain clearing, vegetation control, and pothole repairs. Potholes can occur year-round but are more common in wet weather. Our crews respond to issues as they arise especially after heavy rain.
Winter can be tough on our roads and unexpected closures from flooding or slips can occur. Our crews often work in challenging conditions to restore access and make roads safe as quickly as possible. With shorter days, more work happens at night where lower visibility makes it harder to see road crews—please stay alert and follow traffic signs to help keep everyone safe.
Although major road rebuilds, resurfacing and resealing happens in warmer months, planning for the next season begins well in advance. Throughout winter our teams assess highways, checking road surfaces, drainage and numerous other assets, including bridges, signs, and streetlights. This helps prioritise summer work where it’s needed most, minimising future disruptions.
