Summer is on the way and so too is annual chipsealing work for State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill. 

Every year before the Christmas and New Year holidays, contractors carry out resurfacing work on the route to ensure it is in tip-top shape for holiday traffic.  

Rob Service, Area Manager Nelson/Tasman, says this year is no different with three daytime closures planned for late November.

“This year’s programme will have less impact than last year’s. Last year we had flood repairs and resilience works underway at multiple locations. This year, before Christmas, it will just be resurfacing works. So, overall, disruption will be less.”

“We know this is critical for the community in the lead up to the busy holiday season,” Mr Service says.

Schedule: Daytime closures will be in place for chipsealing from Monday, 23 November to Wednesday, 25 November, between 9 am and 3:30 pm. During this time, the road will reopen once at 11:30 am to let traffic through.

Why road closures are needed: Mr Service says closing the road during the day allows crews to complete the chipsealing much more efficiently and safely.  

“Tākaka Hill is narrow, with limited space for crews and traffic. Completing this work under a closure helps us get it done more quickly and provides a safer environment for road users and road workers.”  

“We know these closures are disruptive for residents, businesses, and other road users. We are timing the work to avoid the school bus run and peak commuting periods and we ask people to plan ahead and be at a closure point in time for the 11:30 am opening.” 

He also says the work needs warm, dry weather to be successful. “Just like baking a cake, the conditions must be right. If it is too cold and too wet, chipsealing cannot be done. What this means for road users is that this project is weather-dependent and schedules might change.” 

“So, people need to keep a close eye on what is happening and make sure they check road conditions before they travel. Stay informed and do not get caught out,” Mr Service says.