Road resurfacing up and running

Extensive road resurfacing is underway on Masterton’s Chapel St SH2, sections of which will remain closed for up to seven weeks.

Contractors started part one of the rehabilitation and reconstruction project on Chapel St between Jackson St and Lincoln Rd roundabout on Sunday.

Early on Monday morning, there was an emergency water shutdown for about an hour that affected businesses on Chapel St between numbers 64 and 112 after water pipes were damaged during the work.

“Given the age of the road and limited water plans in some cases, it is not unexpected that old water pipes may be damaged,” said a Masterton District Council spokesperson, who noted the project is being carried out by NZTA Waka Kotahi.

“MDC has contractors on standby at all times to respond when this occurs.

“Our contractors worked through the night to restore services after the incident.”

During the first phase of work, which is scheduled to continue until May 8, one side of the road will be closed at a time 24/7, and no work will be done on Friday and Saturday nights, or during the day on Saturdays and Sundays.

Part two of the resurfacing work is expected to begin on May 9 on Chapel St between Michael and Russell streets and is scheduled to be completed on June 5, weather permitting.

This work will only be done at night between 9pm and 4am, with no work being done on Friday and Saturday nights.

However, because the project depends on various factors, it may be rescheduled at short notice.

During the project, structural asphalt will be built up in three layers with road asphalt on top to reduce the number of potholes that need to be repaired during winter maintenance.

“It’ll make the road much stronger and less prone to potholes and traffic damage,” Wellington Transport Alliance manager Roxanne Hilliard said.

NZTA has spoken to emergency services and assured them they will have access if needed, as one lane of Chapel St will remain open throughout the project.