MEDIA RELEASE

TRANSIT NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL OFFICE

15 February 2007

Sealing at MacKays Crossing from Tuesday to conclude project

In order to conclude the MacKays Crossing Upgrade Project, Transit will be laying a final coat of seal along a section of SH1 at the crossing from Tuesday next week.

Transit Regional Manager Graham Taylor says this final coat of seal will be carried out in three stages to ensure there is minimal disruption for motorists using the road daily.

The first stage consists of the second, and final coat of chip seal being laid on the right-hand lanes of the four-lane section of highway in both directions. This work will take place between 9.00am and 4.00pm each day, timed to avoid peak traffic flows. It is expected to take three to four days to complete as long as the weather remains favourable.

Motorists will still be able to use the left-hand lanes during the sealing and will also occasionally be diverted onto the new chip seal to assist with the “bedding in” process. Temporary speed restrictions will be in place, so road users are advised to watch out for the signs and adjust their speed accordingly.

The second stage of sealing work consists of a foamed bitumen base with chip seal laid over the two-lane section of the site at its southern end. Preparation work will also be carried out on both left-hand lanes for the four-lane section. The final stage will be another coat of chip seal laid over the left-hand lanes of the four-lane section and the two-lane section as well.

Mr Taylor says work on the second stage of sealing will start in late February/early March. Most of the work will be carried out overnight to minimise the impact to traffic due to the restricted working area available to the contractor. The third stage of sealing will be carried out in mid-March.

This sealing is necessary to provide the project site with a long-term, durable surface to withstand the rigours of daily use. Laying a second coat of seal some months after the project is finished is standard practice for new road construction as the road needs to “cure” in between coats of seal.

Mr Taylor says Transit is very aware of the impact that this type of work can have to people using the roads, so care is being taken to ensure that motorists and businesses are well advised of the work. This sealing work will be carried out in a similar manner to the recent sealing at Otaki, which caused only minimal disruption.

He passes on Transit’s thanks in advance for everyone’s patience while we continue to improve people’s journeys.

ENDS

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