Spring - and roadworks - have sprung

WORKING HARD: A Fulton Hogan contractor with a Stop/Go sign on Fitzherbert St (SH2) in Featherston, as the New Zealand Transport Agency undertakes resealing works on the street last week. PHOTO/ANDREW BONALLACK

It might sound like a bit of a stretch, but it could be argued that traffic cones are to summer as daffodils are to spring.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is advising motorists that with warmer, dryer weather arriving, the Wellington roadworks season is swinging into gear.

Wairarapa is first in line, with crews expected to get most work completed by the end of November, leaving Wairarapa highways in "better nick" for the holiday season.

Regional performance manager Mark Owen said drivers were likely to encounter roadwork sites on the state highway network over the next few months, and should allow time for potential delays.

He said the biggest job would be north of Greytown, where crews would reconstruct and resurface a section of SH2 that "has seen better days".

"We're also going to fix the southbound passing lane between Carterton and Greytown which has been closed since August.

"Once it's fixed, we can reopen the passing lane, which will be good news with summer holidays now on the horizon."

There would be work done on the main road through Featherston, the Rimutaka Hill Rd, and a number of other locations.

Also planned was to repair and reseal a 2km stretch of highway between Tauherenikau and Greytown.

Mr Owen said the Transport Agency was grateful to motorists for their patience and understanding at roadworks sites.

"We know roadworks can be a bit of a headache for motorists, but resealing the roads keeps motorists and their passengers safe on our highways.

"Pot holes, cracked roads and roads that have come to the end of their natural life have reduced skid resistance, and this can increase the risk of crashes and injuries," Mr Owen said.

He said regularly resurfacing the roads prevented expensive long-term repairs.

"Maintaining the roads is like repainting your house to give it a protective seal from wear and tear and exposure to weather, as well as increase its durability."

Traffic management, including some speed restrictions, would be in place from time to time and motorists should plan ahead and leave extra time for their journeys, Mr Owen said.

He said it was crucial motorists observed the speed restrictions. "The speed restrictions are there to protect both drivers and the road workers, so please stick to them no matter what - if it says 30km/h, then that's the speed limit.

"Speed restrictions also help to prevent windscreen damage, which tends to arise from people driving too fast through roadworks' sites and flicking up loose chips into other vehicles.

"Even if there is no work happening onsite, we ask that people keep their speeds down to let the new surface cure - otherwise it can get ripped up and we'll need to start all over again."

Mr Owen said summer was the best time to reseal roads, as the warm temperatures and dry air helped the new seal to stick to the existing road surface. "If we did the work in winter, the cold ground would mean the new surface would harden and crack. Plus the stones in the chip seal could pop out if exposed to cold weather within four weeks of application, and we'd have to do the work all over again next year - causing more inconvenience."

People can visit www.nzta.govt.nz/summerjourneys for up-to-date information on road works and detours in the region they are in, or travelling to.

They can also find out by calling 0800 444 449 (0800 4 HIGHWAYS) or following NZTA on Facebook or Twitter.