13 February 2014 | NZ Transport Agency - Southern Region

Motorists driving north of Christchurch on State Highways 1 and 7 are being asked for their continued patience as work continues on the highways summer maintenance programme.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Journey Manager Lee Wright says work is progressing well with the summer programme; the road widening, resealing and safety improvements at Omihi, Dan’s Creek and Shale Peak have already been completed, along with 75 percent of the chip seal resurfacing programme.

“Chip seal resurfacing on State Highway 1, between the Waiau River and Amberley, is well underway and expected to be completed by the end of February, after which work will begin on sealing a 2km stretch south of Kaikoura.

“Motorists should expect delays during this work and will need to not only observe the speed restrictions that will be in place but allow extra time for their journeys," Ms Wright says.

"Overnight, and at the weekends, these sites are unattended. With gravel surfaces and loose chip, motorists need to take extra on the highway for their own safety and for the safety of others."

She says chip sealing the highways helps improve safety by improving the surface grip and therefore reducing the distance it takes to stop when braking in an emergency. It also extends the life of the road.

Further south, on the south side of the Hundalees (Okarahia Summit), motorists can expect delays until the end of the month as work continues reconstructing the highway, while on State Highway 7, just west of the Waikari township, work begins at the end of this month and will continue through to the end of April on shoulder strengthening work along 230 metres of the highway.

Ms Wright says motorists should again expect delays and temporary speed restrictions.

“It is important this maintenance work is done during summer as the warmer temperatures and dry air are critical to helping new seal stick more effectively to the existing surface, and results in a quicker construction time. As a result, there is less impact on people's journey times.”

She thanked everyone for their patience with the road works on the highways.

“Everyone needs to be aware of the road crews and to observe the temporary speed restrictions. These are in place to ensure the safety of all road users and our road crews."

ENDS

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