Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes District highways have a big season of summer maintenance and repairs ahead, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) says. 

Across the networks there is 57 kilometres worth of reseal work due to take place.

Work will begin on November 6 and run through to December 20, before starting again on January 22 until the end of February next year.

The amount of work due to take place is just slightly less than last year’s bumper season (the largest on the two districts’ networks in many years), NZTA maintenance contract manager Peter Standring said.  

Aspiring Highways will be delivering road reconstruction and resurfacing projects on behalf of Waka Kotahi from now until mid-March.

“As daylight hours increase, the warmer temperatures and dry air help new seals stick as intended to the road surface,” Peter said.

“While we are pleased to have this work scheduled and people will appreciate the finished result, we ask people to take special care given the number of road crews they may come across on some key routes in and out of Central Otago and around Queenstown and Wānaka.”

As well as the Waka Kotahi highways work there will also be third party private developer projects underway, which can also affect highway travel.

Peter reminded drivers that road crew members appreciate a friendly wave and people slowing down to the posted speed limit near work sites. 

“Our crews work in all weathers and do their best to make their sites as safe as possible for everyone, including themselves.”

He said when traffic volumes are high work will take place at night or outside of peak holiday periods where possible.

PHOTO: Wānaka App