Road workers have been busy on Central Otago, Queenstown and Wānaka highways completing a variety of maintenance improvements in the lead-in to winter, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says.

While the annual programme includes multiple reseal and road rehabilitation elements, it doesn’t stop there, NZTA Central Otago maintenance contract manager Peter Standring said.

“Maintaining our roading network is a complex piece of work,” he said.

Aspiring Highways crews, on behalf of NZTA, have also completed hours of painting, litter-picking, filling potholes, sign replacement, cleaning, rockfall prevention, tree-felling, road-kill removal and more.

“All of this work is to ensure the safety of every road user as well as the efficiency of the network. Our crews are out on the road daily and take a real pride in the work they deliver,” Peter said.

Tree removal at Makarora, next to SH6. The trees had been identified as a danger to the road and road users due to rot.

This could involve cleaning reflector caps on edge markers or painting sight rails, trimming trees to improve sight lines at intersections or removing road-kill from the road.

“Every possum or hedgehog has the potential to become a pothole if it isn’t removed in a timely fashion. When the remains break down and decay, the fats and oils soften the seal underneath, potentially creating a pothole.”

Reflective material on signs is also cleaned or replaced regularly.

“This is a very important but time-consuming job and not something many people will always notice or consider. All these smaller components add up to ensuring we are keeping people safe on the road throughout the year,” Pete said.

He said some of the works result in slight delays or temporary lower speed limits. 

“We always appreciate the public’s patience when the team carry out these works,” he added.

PHOTOS: NZTA