Expressway resealing work to go ahead

BLACK TOP: Expressway re-sealing work will start about 500 metres south of Ngarara Rd and extend to north of the Peka Peka link road.

The new expressway surface between part of Waikanae and Peka Peka will be upgraded to make it smoother and quieter.

Most of the recently completed 18km long Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway has open graded porous asphalt (OGPA), which reduces noise levels and creates a smooth driving experience, but the northern section has a chip seal surface which heightens noise levels and makes it a bit rougher to drive on.

A number of residents have been upset about the expressway noise in the northern section and have been making their views known to authorities.

Transport Agency highway manager Neil Walker said the agency had "listened to the concerns of residents about the additional noise the expressway traffic is generating, and is bringing forward planned re-sealing work, using low noise surface material".

"The aim is to start the resurfacing at the beginning of the next spring construction season, which will be November, at the earliest.

"Depending on the weather, the work would take about two to three weeks."

The 3.6km resealing work would start about 500 metres south of Ngarara Rd and extend to north of the Peka Peka link road.

The resurfacing will cost in the vicinity of $1.7 million.

"This cost is offset by the existing budget as a second layer of chip and the planned remarking of the lane lines which was already scheduled to be applied at this time.

"The material used will be an open graded porous asphalt (OGPA) or equivalent, the same as the remainder of the expressway.

"OGPA is one of the quietest running surfaces available in New Zealand, and reduces both noise and surface spray.

"The agency will continue to monitor noise levels adjacent to the expressway closely and follow up with any concerns raised within the community."

Kapiti mayor K Gurunathan congratulated the agency "on its positive response to local concerns".

"The fact that the agency had acted promptly and positively reflects on its high level of community relationship, which is something they have consistently shown throughout the construction of the project.

"I have also been impressed with the professional way that affected residents have conducted their concerns with the agency, the council and others."