Allow extra time when travelling this summer

The NZ Transport Agency's regional performance manager Karen Boyt said it was vital that motorists slowed down and observed the speed restrictions through work sites. Photo / Duncan Brown

Motorists are urged to take care on the roads and allow extra time when travelling this summer, with several maintenance and safety projects under way in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato.

The NZ Transport Agency's regional performance manager Karen Boyt said an extensive programme of reconstruction and resealing was planned between now and April.

"For most people, summer is a time to get outdoors, head to the beach and have fun but it's also a time when our contractors are busy repairing road surfaces and carrying out important safety improvements," she said.

Ms Boyt acknowledged that road works could be dusty, noisy and, at times, frustrating for drivers, but said the work ensured there were better and safer roads for everyone to travel on. "Summer is the best time to reseal our roads as warmer temperatures and dry air helps new seal stick to the road surface.

"Cold ground conditions, wet weather and moisture mean we cannot carry out this maintenance work during the winter months. We try to minimise the impacts of the work but people can expect short delays due to speed restrictions and stop/ go traffic control.

"We hope the travelling public understand the importance of these works and we thank them for their patience."

Ms Boyt said it was vital that motorists slowed down and observed the speed restrictions through work sites.

"Resealing and reconstruction work involves heavy machinery, loose metal, bitumen and cement - that's why speed restrictions are needed," she said.

"Speeding through the sites can be dangerous for road workers and other motorists, as well as causing damage to the work.

"We specially ask motorists to obey the speed restrictions where sealing work is under way or just completed. This not only helps to settle in the new surface but will prevent stone chips from flying up on to passing vehicles."

Ms Boyt said there would be no work on state highways in Waikato and the Bay of Plenty regions between December 24-January 5, or on Auckland Anniversary Weekend or Waitangi Day.

To find out more about the Bay of Plenty works click here and for real time information on highway conditions and incidents visit www.nzta.govt.nz call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or follow @nztawaibop on Twitter.