18 August 2004

Desert Road open but extreme caution required

State Highway 1 between Rangipo and Waiouru – the Desert Road – has re-opened, but extreme caution is required because of damage to the road surface.

There are a number of potholes and breaks in the pavement at the northern end of the route.

Transit New Zealand area engineer Alan Burkett said temporary speed restrictions may be sign posted on sections of the road, but motorists should keep their speeds down and watch for changes in the pavement over the entire route.

Mr Burkett said weather conditions would probably not be suitable for repairing the faults for several days

“Transit’s contractors will be working hard to ensure the problems are fixed as soon as possible, but in the meantime Transit asks motorists to be patient and to think of their own safety and that of other road users.”

Mr Burkett said weather forecasts indicated it was possible the Desert Road could close again overnight.

ENDS

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