The works on State Highway 30A were postponed from last year after backlash over traffic chaos caused by by the initial closure. Photo / Ben Fraser
The works on State Highway 30A were postponed from last year after backlash over traffic chaos caused by by the initial closure. Photo / Ben Fraser
Rotorua drivers are being warned to prepare for roadworks on SH30A Amohau St between Hinemaru St and Te Ngae Rd on Monday, January 19.
The works were initially planned for November last year, but NZ Transport Agency came under fire from Rotorua’s MP and mayor overthe impact the closure had on businesses, schools, medical providers and general road users.
NZTA had closed all four lanes of SH30A between Te Ngae Rd and Fenton St for resurfacing.
Traffic built up in Rotorua's eastern surburbs on the morning of Monday, November 17.
However, after extreme levels of congestion occurred on the city’s eastside, the road was partially reopened on the afternoon of Monday, November 17.
“We acknowledge that our earlier plan to deliver these works using a full road closure didn’t fully consider the impact on traffic flows and the people of Rotorua,” NZTA Bay of Plenty system manager Sandra King said in a statement today.
“Over the past three weeks, our team has worked closely with our contractor Higgins and Rotorua Lakes Council to develop a new approach that balances keeping traffic moving while completing the work safely and efficiently.”
The road would be closed for three months from 8pm to 5am, Sunday to Thursday (open Friday and Saturday nights), NZ Transport Agency said.
Crews would be setting up and packing down one hour either side of these closure times.
Vehicles would still be able to travel through, however there may be delays.
All four lanes would be open to traffic during the day, with access to the footpath maintained for pedestrians and cyclists.
The work will start on the eastbound lanes of SH30A between Te Ngae Rd and Hinemaru St, before moving to the westbound lanes.
King said during the day, the road would remain open with a temporary speed limit.
A map showing the detour route during the closure. Image/ NZTA
She said drivers should expect an uneven surface with ramps at each end of the worksite.
King said the pavement on SH30A has been patched for many years now and requires a full asphalt rebuild. She said as a key urban route, these repairs are a priority to prevent pavement failures next winter.
The road also sits within an active geothermal zone, affecting the foundations and adding complexity to the job, King said.
Before work begins, the team would carry out investigations to identify any potential issues, such as tomos, so these can be addressed before digging out the road.
