The month of December will see a significant amount of activity on the state highway network throughout the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, with contractors looking to make sleigh while the sun shines before the Christmas break.
Contractors have been undertaking renewals since late-September, however recent wet weather has put a dampener on progress.
With fine weather on the horizon, now is the time to Blitzen through work until the roads are cleared for the holiday season.
With so much activity on the network, it's important to know how to get around, says Rob Campbell, Regional Manager of Maintenance & Operations, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
"With road closures planned for SH1 Desert Road, SH2 at Pekatahi Bridge, and within Hamilton, it is important to plan ahead so you can continue to be a Prancer throughout the region.
"As well as this, we have a substantial number of resealing and road rebuilds taking place. Traffic management, including temporary speed limits, will be used to ensure everyone can get past the site and onto their destination.
"When driving past a worksite please don't be a Comet or a Dasher - slow and steady is best for your car and keeps our people safe.
"We acknowledge that disruption will be a constant over the next few weeks. The good news is that almost all roadwork sites will be shut down and cleared from the road by midday Wednesday, December 22. This will ensure everyone travelling to see whānau and friends can get there safely and on time.
"Like Rudolph, the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner (www.journeys.govt.nz) is our shining light and will guide you on the best way forward. We wish everyone safe travels over the holiday period."
Planned Closures:
SH1 Desert road:
- 14 & 15 December, 7am 5pm each day
- Closed between Rangipo (SH1/SH46 intersection) and Waiouru (SH1/SH49 intersection), detour via SH49, SH4, SH47 and either SH46 or SH41
SH2 Pekatahi bridge:
- 12 &16 December, 7am - 6pm each day
- Detour via SH30 and Whakatāne
SH1C Hamilton - Norton road roundabout:
- 7 & 8 December, 7pm - 6am each night
- Detour via Hamilton (Te Rapa road)
5 comments
Hopefully No Laziness
Posted on 04-12-2022 14:20 | By Yadick
Hopefully speed restrictions will be lifted around a number of these sites instead of just leaving them there when they shut down. Travelled to Auckand back on Saturday and the number of 30kmh signs, where nothing at all was happening was just ridiculous. Waka Kotahi and councils really do need to take this into consideration. The holdups for no reason only cause frustration.
Parking
Posted on 04-12-2022 20:42 | By Kancho
I hope Santa doesn't need parking in town as the reindeer and sleigh will need several spaces. He could get a parking fine in Tauranga
Great point by Yadick.
Posted on 05-12-2022 12:10 | By morepork
The whole point of speed restrictions in road works (apart from when it is fresh seal) is to protect road workers. If those workers are not there, those restrictions just cause unnecessary hold-up and frustraion. It would only take a few minutes for workers to cover the signs before leaving the site and it would generate a lot of goodwill with the public.
but morepork....
Posted on 05-12-2022 22:12 | By groutby
....if they did cover up, lay flat or even remove the unnecessary signs...how would the revenue gathering by way of speeding fines and the like continue for the much revered cycle lanes?...
@Groutby
Posted on 06-12-2022 13:09 | By morepork
I understand your cynicism, but I remain hopeful... :-)
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