WET WINTER AFFECTS ROAD WORKS

OUR COUNCILLORS AND staff are well aware of community concern around the road works on Poihipi Road.

Contractors widened and strengthened the road in April/ May with the sealing completed at the end of May.

Since then we have experienced one of the wettest winters on record. This has contributed to the ongoing poor condition of the road surface and prevented the contractor from completing the project. Due to the wet weather and deteriorating pavement, the contractor removed what remined of the seal and stabilised the pavement with cement, with a sacrificial gravel layer on top.

Since then, it has rained frequently and often heavily. It is the combination of wet and cold weather that causes new potholes to form. The situation is made considerably worse by vehicles driving faster than the temporary 30km/h posted speed limit through the works, throwing up stones and creating a danger to workers and other road users.

To complete the road, the contractors need a window of at least four to 10 days of fine, warm weather. They continue to try to keep the road surface maintained as best they can while we wait for better weather; and have been instructed that this maintenance is to continue at all times. As soon as the weather is suitable, the resealing will be done as a matter of urgency.