Summer brings busy road works season

 

The NZ Transport Agency is asking people to start planning their summer journeys and allowing extra travel time, as road works season gets underway across Auckland and Northland.

Transport Agency construction crews will be making the most of the warmer, drier weather over summer to make highways safer and carry out important maintenance.

Drivers are likely to encounter speed restrictions at roadwork sites over the next few months, and should get in the habit of allowing extra time for their journeys.

To help people know where and when summer works will be happening in Northland and the rest of the country, visit the Summer Journey’s website www.nzta.govt.nz/summerjourneys.

“Summer is the best time to reseal and maintain roads, as the warm temperatures and dry air helps the new seal to stick to the existing road surface,” explains Brett Gliddon, the Transport Agency’s Highway Manager for Auckland and Northland.

“Summer works get the most effective results, that are more durable and ultimately better value, to make sure our highways are safer and well maintained for everyone.”

“We understand dust, noise, speed restrictions and detours from roadworks can really frustrate motorists, which is why we’re giving people as much information as soon as we can, so they can plan ahead and avoid delays,” he says.

Mr Gliddon says the Agency will work hard to reduce delays by carrying out some works overnight and limiting work during public holidays. “But we also need drivers to be patient and observe speed restrictions through roadwork sites.”

“Resealing and reconstruction work involves heavy machinery, loose material and a lot of workers, which is why people need to slow down to protect road workers and motorists, as well as prevent damage to the work,” he says.

“We especially ask motorists to consider others and obey the speed restrictions where sealing work is underway or just completed. This not only helps to settle in the new surface but will prevent stone chips from flying up onto windscreens.”

n People can find out information about road works and detours by checking out nzta.govt.nz/summerjourneys, calling 0800 444 449, or following the Transport Agency on Facebook, nztaakl or Twitter @nztaakl.