State Highway repairs planned near Taihape and Raetihi in January

Motorists have been asked to drive carefully and plan accordingly while the work is going on.

Planned road works are expected for state highways in the region throughout January.

The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will be repairing roads near Taihape and Raetihi on State Highway 3 and State Highway 4, respectively.

NZTA is returning to State Highway 1 near the Spooners Hill Rd intersection, just north of Taihape.

This is phase two of the work that was done from November 24 to December 18 to repair the pavement and clear the drainage.

Work will begin on January 6 and run through to January 28, with stop/go traffic control from 6am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

Delays of up to 10 minutes are expected.

NZTA media spokesperson Blair Cunningham said the maintenance and renewal season ensures safe, reliable and resilient state highway networks.

This work depends on various factors and may be amended or rescheduled.

“Doing this work in spring and summer when more traffic is often on the road is the [dilemma],” Cunningham said.

“Warmer and drier weather is better suited to new seal, helping the new road surfaces to last longer.”

When a section of the road is rebuilt, chipseal finish is applied, which requires a second coat not long after, Cunningham said.

“This locks in the seal to make it waterproof, keeps it stronger and safer for longer, and helps reduce the likelihood of flushing occurring,” he said.

“That work will be communicated closer to the time.”

Stop/go traffic management will be in place to allow workers to complete pavement rehabilitation repairs on State Highway 4 Raetihi, near the George St intersection.

This will be in place from January 6 to February 3, from 6am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.

Five-minute delays are expected.

NZTA asks motorists to drive carefully and to plan their journeys accordingly.

“We’re working hard to complete this mahi as quickly and safely as possible, and we appreciate your patience,” Cunningham said.

Fin Ocheduszko Brown is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.