With the year drawing to a close, so too are the roadworks on State Highway 2 as part of the NZTA Waka Kotahi safety improvement project for the region – at least, they’re meant to be.
There were reports yesterday afternoon that the road surface on State Highway 2 between Masterton and Carterton was “melting”.
The Times-Age attended the scene and observed that strips of the road surface on a long stretch of the southbound lane of SH2 appeared to be melting bitumen.
NZTA has been approached for comment; more information will be available in tomorrow’s paper.
This latest apparent SH2 setback followed “emergency surface repairs” being made on the northbound stretch of SH2 between Chester Rd and Norfolk Rd earlier this week.
Last month there were reports of deteriorating road conditions on SH2 at Clareville, with some motorists stating the chipseal was coming up in chunks. NZTA responded within hours and had both the southbound and northbound lanes repaired.
The transport agency has stated that any remaining potholes will be seen to during the remainder of the project.
“Our team of engineers are continuing to investigate the melting of the road surface and are working on plans to have a strong road surface in place,” a spokesperson said.
As of Thursday, December 14, all major work on SH2 had officially ceased, with minor improvements being made until today to chipseal roads, complete final painted road line marking, complete the raised pedestrian crossing at Ngaumutawa roundabout, install signage, lighting, pavement repairs, and median barrier ends, and various tidy up works such as finishing fencing, drainage and landscaping.
It is understood there will be no stop/go traffic management in place on SH2 until January 8, when the project is expected to be completed.
Despite having planned to finish the project before Christmas, bouts of wet weather caused unexpected delays to the project.
The final topcoat of chipseal is planned to be laid during the summer after New Year; a patchy appearance is expected throughout the Christmas and New Year period until this is completed.
Starting from January 8, new line markings will be made on the new road surfaces at multiple locations across the area.
The markings will be high-performance long life [HPLL] markings, with audio tactile completed.
Starting from January 8, new line markings will be made on the new road surfaces at multiple locations across the area.
The markings will be high-performance long life [HPLL] markings, with audio tactile profile markings [ATP; also known as ‘rumble strips’] also being used.
NZTA lists the benefits of ATP as providing “an audible and tactile warning to drivers when they are run over”, to “warn drivers who are suffering the effects of fatigue, alert distracted drivers and improve lane discipline”.
“Research shows ATP edgelines reduce run-off road crashed by 30 per cent”.
In early 2024, there will also be further paving repairs on sections of the highway where the road has been widened on northbound and southbound lanes, and more chipsealing completed on some driveway access points in the project area.
Motorists are urged to call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or 0800 44 44 49 if they experience or notice any issues with the highway roads, the phone line is monitored 24/7. profile markings [ATP; also known as ‘rumble strips’] also being used.
NZTA lists the benefits of ATP as providing “an audible and tactile warning to drivers when they are run over”, to “warn drivers who are suffering the effects of fatigue, alert distracted drivers and improve lane discipline”.
“Research shows ATP edgelines reduce run-off road crashed by 30 per cent”.
In early 2024, there will also be further paving repairs on sections of the highway where the road has been widened on northbound and southbound lanes, and more chipsealing completed on some driveway access points in the project area.
Motorists are urged to call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or 0800 44 44 49 if they experience or notice any issues with the highway roads, the phone line is monitored 24/7.
Road safety? Let’s hold hands 👫 it’s safer. Road conditions? Let’s slow 🐌 down and use air plugs for the noise. A lot of people have been driving 🚗 for years and roading authorities before the 2000s new what to do. It’s a complete mess know NZTA is all talk 👄 the engineers not listened to the knowledge gone just all PC environmentalists have everything out of control and it’s one big nanny state. NZTA needs a complete change and start doing professional work.