The summer programme of resealing and repair work is getting into full swing on state highways, Transport Minister Michael Wood announced today.
Minister Wood said investing in infrastructure and creating jobs were key parts of the Government’s economic plan.
“More than 2,000 people will be working on highways across the country this summer, resealing and repairing around 1,900 lane kilometres of state highway. That’s the equivalent of a two-lane road from Picton to Bluff or a single lane on SH1 from Bluff to Kaitaia,” Mr Wood said.
“Waka Kotahi’s resealing and repair work is part of our Government’s investment of over $500 million this financial year in state highway maintenance and renewals. This work is vital to maintain and improve the country’s state highways, keeping them safe and resilient.
“We’re trying to make pre-Christmas and New Year trips as smooth as possible – workers are going flat tack to complete key repair and resealing projects before the busy holiday period.”
He said non-essential work at most state highway sites would pause from 23 December to 5 January to keep roads as clear as possible for people to travel safely, before ramping back up from January through to March.
“The Kiwis out on these sites are doing important work in difficult conditions which helps keep all of us safe – please take care, slow down and watch out for workers when driving past,” the Minister said.
“Speeding vehicles can flick up loose stones which are dangerous to road workers as well as other drivers. Temporary speed limits and other restrictions are there to keep everyone safe. So please be patient and remember that everyone has the right to come home safely at the end of the day.”
Region | Total lane kilometres* |
---|---|
Northland | 110 |
Auckland | 76 |
Waikato | 398 |
Bay of Plenty | 210 |
Gisborne | 60 |
Hawkes Bay | 100 |
Taranaki | 74 |
Manawatu-Whanganui | 104 |
Wellington | 56 |
Marlborough | 52 |
Nelson-Tasman | 45 |
West Coast | 139 |
Canterbury | 178 |
Otago | 193 |
Southland | 113 |
Grand Total | 1,908 |
*Lane kilometres refers to the total length of lanes to be resealed – i.e. resealing both lanes of a five kilometre stretch of two-lane highway equals ten lane kilometres.