"This also ensures our roads' accessibility and safety are maintained year-round for road users."
They were often asked why road works were carried out at this time of the year but the answer was simple, Mr Gliddon said.
"However we recognise the frustration some road users may feel if they experience traffic queues, detours or delays as a result of our activities ... People want to know, 'why we don't wait until later in the year away from peak summer holiday times?' The answer is that wet or cold conditions can decrease the durability of our repair or construction work ... reducing how long a resealing repair will last."
Workers often worked through the night to avoid heavy traffic when they could, he said.
"From time to time we do work at night and on weekends. We usually do this where the road works are needed on roads with very high traffic volumes, as carrying out these activities during normal work hours on weekdays would cause untenable congestion and unreasonable delays."
They ask motorists to be patient so the road can remain safe.
"Keep an eye out for road works around the region; take note of signage, traffic controls; and plan your journey to allow for possible delays. Travel at safe speeds, drive to the conditions and watch out for driver fatigue."
Waikato state highway manager Kaye Clark said drivers needed to ensure they were on the ball and their vehicles were in a safe condition before hitting the road.
"Don't drive when you've been drinking alcohol or taking medication or other drugs - and take regular breaks on your trip to avoid driving while fatigued."
The NZTA's website is regularly updated with most roadwork details including closures and detour information detailed at www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic. This information is also available by phoning the NZTA's freephone on 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49), which can also be used to report any significant road issues or hazards which people may come across during their travels.
ROADWORKS:
Rotorua
State Highway 5: 1.3km section of highway at Rainbow Mountain, south of Rotorua.
State Highway 5: Waiotapu South. Works may take up to three months, starting late January through to April 2013.
State Highway 30: Small section of highway on Te Ngae Rd at Owhata.
State Highway 30: A 600m section at Tikitere. Works may take up to three months, starting late January through to April.
Eastern Bay of Plenty
State Highway 2: Sections of highway in these locations include Matata, Edgecumbe, Awakeri, Taneatua, Waimana Gorge, Waimana, Nukuhou, Wainui, Wainui Gorge, Kutarere, Waiotahi, Opotiki and Waioeka Gorge.
State Highway 30: Rotoma Gorge, Braemar, Onepu, Paroa and Awaiti.
State Highway 34: Kawerau.
State Highway 35: Sections of highway in these locations include Opape, Torere, Hawai, Blakes Bay, Motu Bridge, Motu River, Tokato, Waihapokopoko, Te Kaha, Waikawa, Raukokore Bridge, Raukokore, Waitewake and Whangaparoa.
Between Rotorua and Tau ranga
Four locations between Paengaroa and Rotorua on State Highway 33.
Nine locations between Pyes Pa and Te Matai Rd.
Taupo
(starting January 14):
State Highway 1: Oruanui north of Taupo.
State Highway 30: between Whakamaru and Te Kuiti
