In a statement from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), journey manager Simon Harty said road users should expect to see more road crews and traffic managers repairing and resealing highways from now into the new year.
Mr Harty said most road maintenance could only happen over the summer months, as the increased daylight hours, warmer temperatures and dry air were needed for the chip seal to stick to the surfacing below.
"Our crews — contractors and subcontractors — have a tight schedule, working through extremely variable conditions over summer."
He said NZTA appreciated people building in extra time to their drives when the highways were getting busier.
"We are all human and working in some extreme conditions, on hot norwesterly days, over the summer.
"If travelling locally, people can build in an extra 20 minutes to their journeys, which will help ease the pressure and reduce the temptation to make up the time if there is a short delay.
"This is safer for everyone — yourself and your passengers and other road users."
He said if travelling further afield, such as between Christchurch and Timaru, travel could be delayed by up to an hour overall.
Roadworks in the region this side of Christmas:
Timaru south to Glenavy
- October 16 — six weeks of road reconstruction over two sites south of Studholme, State Highway 1 (SH1), with temporary speed limits (30kmh) and traffic signals running 24/7.
- October 21 — a week’s worth of resurfacing in the same area at three places on SH1: near Pareora, the SH82 turnoff (Nosh Roadside Gourmet corner) and through Glenavy township.
The crew then moves on to SH82, the Waimate highway, for another week around Elephant Hill and Ikawai in November.
Timaru to Fairlie, SH8 — full summer programme
- October 30 — after Labour Weekend, through to the end of March 2025, three sites will be reconstructed in succession on SH8 near Winscombe Hill/Coal Stream between Fairlie and Albury under temporary speed limits, 30kmh, and traffic signals running 24/7.
Waimate to Ikawai, SH82
- November 1 — eight weeks of reconstruction through the Waimate Gorge.
This section of the state highway will be closed and an alternative route will be advertised.
Ashburton to Timaru, SH1
- Ongoing work on the SH1 Rangitata River Bridge with intermittent night closures mid to late November.
In the new year, NZTA has resurfacing programmed for SH1 (Rakaia to Timaru), SH79 (Geraldine to Fairlie) and SH8 (Pleasant Point to Lake Pukaki/Mt Cook/Aoraki turnoff [SH80]).
Asphaltic concrete surfacing is planned for Waimate, Timaru, Fairlie and Ashburton township areas as well as resurfacing the Hinds and Rangitata River Bridge decks.
Road reconstruction sites on SH8 near Winscombe Hill/Coal Stream and on SH82 through the Waimate Gorge are planned to continue after the Christmas break into the new year.
