WORK on SH3 south of Ōtorohanga will be finished by tomorrow afternoon, according to Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency.
Waikato system manager Cara Lauder said all contractors were required to be off the road by midday tomorrow ahead of the long weekend, but the contractor might be allowed to extend into the afternoon to complete work at the site.
Locals travelling the state highway have complained of having to wait in queues stretching south past the turn off to Waitomo Golf Course for upwards of half an hour.
“We are aware of the delays to traffic at this site and ask that everyone bears with us while we complete this work,” Cara said.
“Planning ahead, considering alternative routes and time of day can help to minimise disruption.”
A 300 metre section of road just south of the Mangapu River bridge is being rebuilt, which includes applying a layer of chipseal over the newly built road structure.
Cara said a second coat of chipseal would be applied in a year, allowing time for the road to settle, and prevents premature bleeding or flushing occurring. More disruption could be expected in coming months.
Cara said the next major piece of work taking place on SH3 in Ōtorohanga would be the asphalt resurfacing of Maniapoto St through the centre of town, between Ranfurly St and SH39.
The community and affected businesses would be contacted by Waka Kotahi well in advance of the work starting, Cara said.
Several other chipseal repairs were scheduled for Te Kūiti in February and March.
