Driver patience at road works

Motorists are being urged to take care on the roads and allow extra time when travelling this summer, with a number of maintenance and safety projects underway in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions.

The NZ Transport Agency’s regional performance manager, Karen Boyt, said an extensive programme of reconstruction and resealing is planned between now and April.

‘‘For most people summer is a time to get outdoors, head to the beach and have fun. But it’s also a time when our contractors are busy repairing road surfaces and carrying out important safety improvements,’’ she said.

Boyt acknowledges that road works can be dusty, noisy and, at times, frustrating for drivers. But he said the work does ensure there are better and safer roads for everyone to travel on.

‘‘Summer is the best time to reseal our roads, as warmer temperatures and dry air helps new seal to stick to the road surface.

‘‘We try to minimise the impact of the work.

‘‘However, people can expect short delays due to speed restrictions and stop/go traffic control.’’

Boyt said it was critical that motorists slow down and observe the speed restrictions through work sites.

Summer is also the time when major projects get built – like the new roundabout south of Tirau, another being built at the SH2/25 intersection in north Waikato, and one about to start at SH3/37 – the turnoff to the Waitomo Caves.

The Cambridge and Rangiriri sections of the Waikato Expressway are still under construction, along with the Tauranga Eastern Link project in the Bay.