‘Know before you go’ on the West Coast’s highways

West Coast drivers are being reminded on ways to ‘Know before you go’ to avoid travel delays and disruption as the annual road maintenance season gets underway slightly later than usual on the West Coast.

“The wetter than usual summer has delayed some summer road maintenance work on the West Coast, but people can expect to see more road crews over the next two months,” says NZ Transport Agency Journey Manager Lee Wright.

“Predictions are that March is going to be warm and dry. Our contractors will be out in force making the most of this weather which ensures that new seal can set properly.

“People will encounter speed restrictions and other traffic management at roadwork sites. We encourage drivers to get in the habit of checking out what is happening on their route and planning their journey beforehand.”

Travellers can get information on state highway road works, delays and detours on the ‘traffic and travel’ section of the Transport Agency’s website http://www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/ by calling 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 444 449) or following the Transport Agency on Facebook or Twitter.

Ms Wright says the Transport Agency and its contractors are committed to getting the work done with as little disruption as possible. “Planning ahead and knowing what is happening on the roads means you can consider taking another route or factor in any disruptions so you arrive relaxed and on time.”

Drivers are reminded to slow down through road works. “We want motorists and our road crews to get home safely,” she says. “With more visiting drivers on the roads, we ask everyone to be patient and understanding.

“Everyone has a role to play in reducing the harm that happens on our roads - be patient, stick to the temporary speed restrictions. They are there for everyone’s protection and to limit damage to the sites our crews are working on.”

West Coast road work sites which may cause delays:

The Transport Agency has resealing sites, pavement and bridge repairs at various locations on the West Coast State Highway roading network, ongoing for the next two months.

· Big Wainihinihi River Bridge deck on SH73 will be undergoing necessary replacement and refurbishing works. This work will result in some night time closures and delays, which are scheduled to start late March.
· Greymouth to Hokitika, SH6, highway pavement repairs.

· Meybille Bay, SH6, north of Punakaiki, scaling and road repair - delayed until after tourist season ie April onwards, one lane continues through this part of SH6.

· Shines Hill realignment, near Charleston, SH: Under construction now.

· Taramakau new bridge construction, SH 6: relatively low impact on traffic this season however at some point the deck of the existing bridge will need resealing.

· Reseals Coast-wide – so please be prepared to see road crews in many places.

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