Despite “final” road surfacing work being done on State Highway 2 over about six weeks in November and December last year, persistent road surface issues mean that roadworks are ramping up once again between Masterton and Carterton.
Resurfacing work will start on Sunday night and is expected to run until March 11, between 7pm until 6am “when traffic volumes are at their lowest” for all but one of the nights.
NZTA Waka Kotahi has announced the work will be done as part of the SH2 safety improvement project between Masterton and Carterton, which began in late July 2022, and acknowledged that the extra work will cause further disruption to Wairarapa motorists.
Regional infrastructure delivery manager Jetesh Bhula said the resurfacing will fix road surface issues such as rutting, potholing, minor defects, loss of chips, and bleeding.
“Some of the works are small, while others will need longer to complete, and it all must be done under controlled conditions to ensure road crews and drivers are kept safe,” Bhula said.
“It appears a combination of a very wet winter last year and a hot and dry summer this year has drawn up moisture into the road layers and caused problems with the road surface.”
Reduced speed limits will be implemented while resurfacing takes place as well as for 48 hours afterwards.
Speed limits of 30kmh are essential for a short period after resurfacing to prevent damage to vehicles and the new road surface, Bhula said.
While a local road detour through Hughes Line will be available, drivers are encouraged to continue using SH2 to minimise congestion and delays where roads intersect with SH2.
Bhula said it is vital for the community and road users for the work to be completed now.
“Getting the road right is the priority,” he said.
“We know the extra work will be frustrating for the community, but it makes sense to get the job done now while the weather is warm and dry and avoid further problems during wet weather over winter.”
Travel delays are to be expected while the work is being undertaken and the cost for the resurfacing will be covered in the Masterton to Carterton safety improvement project budget.
The project has been an ongoing source of controversy in the region, with many motorists frustrated by the resulting traffic delays, reduced speed limits, and uneven surfaces.
Work schedule
and locations:
Sunday, March 3,
7pm – 6am: Stabilisation of the southbound lane near the Clareville Saddlery.
Monday, March 4,
7pm – 6am: Sealing of the previous night’s stabilised section. Stabilisation of the southbound lane adjacent to the rest area.
Tuesday, March 5,
7pm – 6am: Sealing of the previous night’s stabilised section.
Wednesday, March 6,
7pm – 6am: Stabilisation of the northbound lane from the old Norman Ave entrance to the Norfolk Rd roundabout.
Thursday, March 7,
7pm – 6am: Sealing of the previous night’s stabilised section. Stabilisation of the northbound lane from the Wiltons Rd roundabout to Ravensdown.
Friday, March 8,
8pm – 6am: Sealing of the previous night’s stabilised section. Crews will be starting at 8 pm to allow for weekend traffic.
Sunday, March 10,
7pm – 6am: Stabilisation of the northbound lane from the turnaround to the rest area.
Monday, March 11,
7pm – 6am: Sealing of the previous night’s stabilised section.
– An NZTA spokesperson told the Times-Age that March 12-14 have been scheduled as “contingency days” should wet weather disrupt the works.
This is becoming a familiar thing in NZ… they spend ages disrupting traffic while they resurface a road… then they’re back working on the same piece of road a few months later cos the new seal has failed, usually down to poor prep and stabilisation. While living in Australia, I’d have travelled well over a million kilometres, often over newly sealed roads, and rarely would you experience rippling of or waves in the new surface like is inevitably seen here… and it’s all down to proper prep and stabilisation. In Aussie it’s a real pain in the arse travelling over a road surface they’re prepping for sealing after they’ve applied lime and water to bind the surface. If you’re on a bike it’s like travelling over ice, and the lime and water sticks to the bike like s**t to a blanket… but travel over that same piece of road a year or two later… the seal’s intact… and it’s flat. Why can’t they properly prep a road here. Is it down to lack of roadbuilding skill… or is it cost?
Am seriously beginning to think New Zealand firms should not be considered for roading work in this country. The work is sub standard and then you have all the extra expense trying to get the job done right the second or third time. These firms seem to see doing sub standard work as an ongoing cash cow.
Should never of started it a complete mess. First how did the plans have a scissors wire barrier? Second that dangerous turnaround by Clareville? Third only widening the southern end of Hughes line 🤔 and not the northern end when this road was going to be used as a bypass? Fourth the new speed limit? Fifth taking away the south bound passing lane? Sixth the bus 🚌 stops and massive
pedestrian crossing 🚸 for for WHO? seventh the time its taken seriously you need to look into this its a joke that leaves a bad taste for all motorists. Could go on but just a complete shambles 😕 😫 😪.