
Central Otago summer highway work under way
Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes District highways have a big season of summer maintenance and repairs ahead, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says.
“It may well be the biggest construction period for the two districts in many seasons,” Otago maintenance contract manager Peter Standring said.
Aspiring Highways, on behalf of Waka Kotahi, will deliver road reconstruction and resurfacing projects from now until mid-March as daylight hours increase, and the warmer temperatures and dry air help new seals stick as intended to the road surface.
“While we are pleased to have this work scheduled and people will appreciate the finished result, we ask people to take special care given the number of road crews they may come across on some key routes in and out of Central Otago and around Queenstown and Wānaka,” Standring said.
“There are also a number of third-party, privately-funded projects under way adjoining or on the highway, adding to the number of road crews people will encounter. If people can build in an extra 20 minutes to their journeys, it will help ease the pressure on everyone and reduce the temptation to make up time if there is a short delay."
Overall, 60km of highway will be resealed between November 7g and December 16.
The highways will be as free of work as possible in the lead-in to Christmas and the new year peak holiday periods when most traffic is on the roads. Resurfacing work will continue from January 23 into March, 2023.
Some work will be done overnight to minimise daytime delays. These include:
- SH6 Kawarau Gorge through to east of the Crown Range intersection
- SH6 Jack Hanley Drive intersection, Frankton/Queenstown.
- SH6 near Wāanaka Airport.
Work in the new year also includes two pavement renewal/reconstruction sites of 2km at SH8 Millers Flat and SH6 Kidd Creek.
Residents in places getting high impact highway work should receive direct updates in their letterboxes in advance.
Check your route before you travel at www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz...

Poll: Is your nearest emergency department up to scratch?
Concerns have been raised about Nelson Hospital with complaints of lack of staffing and excessive wait times. Do you have confidence in your local emergency department?

-
36.2% Yes, it serves us well
-
63% No, I have concerns
-
0.8% Other - I'll share below

The perfect Mother's Day gift is here!🌸
Looking for a thoughtful gift for Mum? Give her something she'll enjoy all year round with a magazine subscription!
Whether she’s passionate about gardening, inspired by beautiful homes, or loves to keep up with the latest entertainment, you’ll find the perfect match at
Mags4Gifts.co.nz.
This Mother's Day, save up to 35% on subscriptions – perfect for Mum, Grandma, a special mother figure, or even as a treat for yourself!
Don't miss out – shop now and make her day unforgettable!


What's one highway or road that needs attention?
We've all been on a summer roadie and experienced first-hand the state of our roads.
If you've ever been stuck in a summer traffic jam, had near-misses on dangerous turns or feared for your life on clifftops (while the car behind you is tail-gating!) - you may have an opinion on this one.
Tell us what main road or highway you think needs some serious attention across the country, and why!
