Get ready, roadworks season is dead ahead
Those scratching their head over all the road cones about with no obvious signs of road works can rest assured crews are on their way. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency released a statement explaining that a burst of wild weather had put the brakes on road re-building and resealing, with contractors busy removing slips and making damaged roads safe around the Bay of Plenty and Waikato.
Bay of Plenty system manager Roger Brady said when those events happened during the road renewal season contractors needed to ensure active worksites were left in a safe condition, and monitored regularly.
“Even before the rain arrives, we have crews out on the network looking to proactively manage conditions as best possible.”
“The coming weeks will see more sites being worked on, and we continue to encourage road users to plan ahead, understand what will be happening on their route, and adjust their travel accordingly. Leaving home slightly earlier could help reduce stress, ensuring you reach your destination in time.”
The Waka Kotahi Journey Planner contains the latest information on the status of the state highway network and could help road users find the best route.
Some of the upcoming October work plan includes:
East Waikato
SH25: Recovery works are underway at a number of sites, with temporary traffic management and reduced speed limits in place where required.
SH25A Kōpū-Hikuai: A section of road near the summit has collapsed, and the road is impassable. Detour via SH26, SH2, SH25 via the Karangahake Gorge, or SH25 via Coromandel Town. Work to construct a bridge over the slip area is underway, and the bridge is expected to be open in March 2024. Additional works are taking place across SH25A while the road is closed.
SH26 Morrinsville: Road repair work continues at multiple locations over several weeks. Work will take place Sunday to Thursday nights, between 8pm and 5am each night. This work will require road users to use short detours.
SH26 Chipseal: Road resealing continues between Motumaoho and Morrinsville, with work taking place under stop/go traffic management between 6am and 8pm each week day. This work is weather dependent. Minor delays are expected when sealing is taking place.
Central Waikato
SH1 Ā tiamuri: Side and median barriers have been installed on a 4.5km stretch of highway south of Ā tiamuri. Some speed restrictions will be in place until finishing works and final surfacing are completed in warmer weather. Establishment works are underway for a 6.9km section nearby from the Waikato
River bridge, past Ā tiamuri Village to Thorpe Road.
SH1 Lichfield: The northbound slow lane near Puriri Road is closed until further notice, while investigations take place into repair options.
SH1 Ā tiamuri to Wairakei: Enabling works for road rebuilding commenced on Monday 2 at the first of three sites on this corridor. The rebuild of the first site will commence this Monday, taking about two weeks to complete. Stop/go traffic management and temporary speed limits will be in place at all active worksites. Delays are to be expected.
SH5 Mamaku: Road rebuilding commences Monday October 16 on a 560m section within the Mamaku Range. Stop/go traffic management will be in place between 6am and 6pm each day, Monday to Friday. Work is expected to be complete by late November.
SH41 Tokaanu: Due to a washout, the road is down to one lane under temporary traffic lights, with a 30km/ h temporary speed restriction in place.