Entire 14km of Kapiti expressway to be resurfaced after just seven months

Part of the Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway needed repairs so it has been decided to reseal 14km of the road. Photo/David Haxton

Nearly all of Kapiti's new expressway will be resealed after leaks were discovered in the road.

The NZ Transport Agency's ongoing inspection of the Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway has shown "minor fatigue of the surface" over an area of 3.2km (about 2.4km south bound and 0.8km north bound) in the vicinity of Kapiti Rd.

But the 3.2km affected is not along a continuous stretch of road.

A New Zealand Transport Agency spokesman said it would be more efficient to resurface 14km of the road and carry the work out continuously.

The 18km four-lane expressway was opened to traffic on February 22 this year, four months ahead of schedule.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges, left, Otaki MP Nathan Guy, and Waikanae locals Grace Ahern, 6, and Ruby-Mei Franklyn cut a ribbon to mark the completion of the expressway on February 22.

Last month, the agency's Wellington transport systems manager, Mark Owen, said "It appears that the issue has been caused by water penetrating the membrane seal that was applied to the pavement prior to the surfacing (OGPA) being laid.

"This has subsequently loosened small particles in the top of the pavement which causes the discolouration and texture changes.

"We are satisfied that the current issues do not present any safety risks.

"An independent review has been commissioned by the M2PP alliance, which the Transport Agency will contribute to, to establish how the issue occurred."

The cost will be shared between contractors and NZTA.