Roadworks

TODAY 3.1km of the road between Leith Saddle and Pigeon Flat was reduced to a single lane under a posted speed limit of 30kmh for road marking. In all this distance, there were three men standing leaning on shovels — there was no progress on the works.

The road is in a shocking condition with many areas where the seal has ‘‘scabbed’’ off leaving craters. It is clearly in need of pavement rehabilitation sooner rather than later.

Why is public money being wasted on marking a section of road that requires major repair?

Why is such a long length affected at any time? Is the convenience of the travelling public considered at all?

When is the road going to be properly repaired?

Dave and Gill Charters

Waitati

[NZTA maintenance contract manager Mark Stewart replies:

‘‘The work described completes a highperformance road marking trial assessing the suitability of this product on Dunedin’s Northern Motorway. Its aim is to improve safety in all weathers, particularly its wet night visibility.

‘‘The installation requires our crews to wait at times while the applicator reloads and for the product to cure which can take up to an hour.

‘‘The section of road from Leith Saddle to Pigeon Flat has areas that will be repaired this summer construction season. The repairs don’t extend full road width or across the new linemarkings or for the fulllength being linemarked last week.

‘‘Where temporary traffic management affects a passing lane, safety regulations require closure of the entire passing lane. In the interest of maintaining traffic flow, staff on the ground decided to keep traffic flowing in both directions rather than have stop/go and disrupt drivers more.

‘‘Road repairs should be completed before Christmas. We thank everyone who uses this road for being patient around our hardworking crews.’’]