"While we are doing this work we will also be continuing our ongoing investigations and confirming the exact cause of the rutting issues on these sections.
"Once this is complete we will look to start the second stage which will involve more invasive work at specific locations to strengthen the surface for the future," says Mr Coalter.
"It is our top priority to keep the state highway safe for road users and we are committed to fixing the road with a long-term solution as soon as we can."
The Transport Agency is in discussions with Fletcher Construction to undertake similar resurfacing and weather-proofing works on the Ngaruawahia section starting around the end of March.
While the work is under way traffic will be managed at different times with speed restrictions, lane closures, stop-go controls and some detours where necessary during the works period, which is expected to go through until winter.
"We'd like to thank residents and road users for their understanding and patience while we complete these works on the highway," says Mr Coalter.
The work is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled if required.
