Transit regrets 40-minute SH1 delays

Transit has apologised to motorists for longer-than-expected delays during resurfacing work on State Highway 1 at Bombay yesterday.

Operations manager Joseph Flanagan said the company made the most of good weather to do the work, between Mill Rd and Ridge Rd, but got caught out by heavy traffic.

Transit had elected to completely close State Highway 1 southbound, and allow traffic headed south to use one of the two northbound lanes, Mr Flanagan said.

Workers had banked on delays of up to 20 minutes for motorists but the waits stretched out to 40 minutes as traffic volumes increased.

Transit had planned the work for the past four weeks and good weather was crucial, he said.

Notice of the proposed work had been advertised but in the end Transit had only 24 hours' notice of suitable conditions.

There had been plans to carry out the work at night but it was decided there wasn't sufficient lighting on the detour roads.

The resurfacing work was expected to be completed by 5am today.