Roadworks will pause from Friday to January 8 but road users still need to be aware of changes like temporary speed limits. Photo / Alex Cairns
Road contractors will be pausing work from midday tomorrow, December 22 to January 8, but motorists travelling through 17 Bay of Plenty roadwork sites throughout summer still need to be aware of temporary speed limits and traffic management.
New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Waikato system manager Andrew Oakley said the agency wanted everyone to get to their destinations safely. He advised motorists to remember to drive to the conditions, allow plenty of time, take regular breaks and stay alert.
“With the volumes of traffic expected over the holiday period, we are asking people to be patient when driving this summer so everyone can relax and enjoy the holidays together. It is important to keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front of you so you can stop safely,” Oakley said.
Oakley said contractors would be pausing most work from midday Friday through to 8am on January 8.
“Everyone needs a break and it’s a perfect chance for our contractors to recharge for a busy 2024 on the state highway network,” Oakley said.
The news comes after Waka Kotahi revealed serious abusive and threatening behaviour towards roadworkers was up 20 per cent in a year nationwide, and is one reason why roughly half of workers quit within a year.
Oakley said a few sections of the network would be under temporary traffic management to improve “efficiency and safety for everyone”.
“Passing lanes on State Highway 2 between Pōkeno and the State Highway 25 Mangatarata roundabout will be closed on select dates during the busy Christmas and New Year holiday travel periods,” Oakley said.
Likewise, a 600m section between Crown Hill Rd and School Rd in Karangahake Gorge has had its speed reduced temporarily to 50km/h.
“This section of the highway includes the entrance to the Karangahake Reserve, which is the starting point for many of the popular walks in the historic gorge,” Oakley said.
