Bad weather further delays resurfacing of SH1 in Mangamuka Gorge

Bad weather in the Far North has forced another delay in the start of work to resurface State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge.

The work will now not start until Saturday, 24 February at the earliest.

The original plan was for full-width resurfacing of a number of separate areas through the gorge to start earlier this month, says NZ Transport Agency System Manager, Steve Mutton.

“But resurfacing requires dry weather. The recent bad weather hasn’t helped and there’s more to come,” says Mr Mutton.

The plan is to close the state highway between Mangamuka and Kaitaia from 7am to 6pm daily on a Saturday, Sunday and Monday over three separate weekends.
Rather than set the dates now, the Transport Agency will confirm closer to the time when the closures and work will go ahead, says Mr Mutton.

While the road is closed, crews will carry out other maintenance, including vegetation and drain clearing, cleaning signs and removing rubbish.

There will be a detour in place via State Highway 10 between Awanui and Pakaraka. The detour will add about 10 kilometres to a one way journey.

The Transport Agency urges motorists to plan their journey, allow extra time and follow the detour road signs. When SH1 is reopened, keep to the posted speed limits to give the new road surface a chance to set.

The Transport Agency apologises for any inconvenience the detour may cause while we carry out this important safety and maintenance work.

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