Road users can expect to see plenty of activity on local state highways over the next few months as the summer road maintenance season moves into full swing.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will be undertaking a substantial resealing programme on more than 67 kilometres of highway, including many locations in the Upper Clutha.

As well as areas further afield, resealing will take place on the Luggate-Tarras Road, between Cromwell and Tarras, and SH6 between Albert Town and Queenstown.

“Road users should be prepared for temporary speed limit reductions and delays up to 10 minutes,” NZTA maintenance contracts manager Peter Standring said.

In addition to the resealing programme, NZTA will also be carrying out important work at a number of sites to “reconstruct roads and build up resilience”, he said.

This will include general maintenance at the Luggate Red Bridge, although timing is yet to be confirmed, as well as other sites around Cromwell and Queenstown.

More people working on the roads means an increased risk of accidents and injuries, so motorists are being asked to take extra care around worksites during the summer construction season, NZTA said.

“The impacts of this work on traffic will vary from full temporary road closures to traffic management that results in delays, depending on the nature of the work,” Peter said.

“We’ll be doing our best to minimise that impact on road users.”

He asked road users to have patience this summer, for everyone’s safety.

“We understand people can get stressed travelling on busy highways, especially in warmer conditions. But just like we want travellers to get where they are going safely, we want our roading team from Aspiring Highways to get home safely to their families. 

“A bit of patience behind the wheel goes a long way. Where we see dangerous driving behaviour, police will be contacted.”

PHOTO: NZTA