Night and day-time closures get underway on State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill next week, with maintenance work planned for the route.

It is deliberately timed for November to ensure the highway is clear for all drivers over the summer holidays.

Between Sunday, 3 November, and Sunday, 24 November, the road will be closed every Sunday to Thursday from 8 pm to 5:30 am with a short opening around 1 am for queued traffic.

Then from Monday, 25 November, until Friday, 29 November the highway will be closed from 9 am to 3 pm. During this time, the road will be reopened every 90 minutes to let traffic through. 

Contractors will spend the first two weeks of night-time closures asphalting parts of the road surface on both sides of the hill. They will also carry out other work, such as clearing water channels, fixing slips and guard rails, and completing general maintenance.

Because of the road’s narrowness and to keep contractors safe, the road must be closed while the work is done. It will also allow the maintenance to be completed much faster. 

Chipsealing will then be carried out during the day-time closures. This work must be done during the day when conditions are warm and dry to ensure the chipseal is effective.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi appreciates the Tākaka Hill is a vital transport link for residents and local businesses which is why day-time access on the route is ensured. Day closures are timed to avoid the school bus run and peak commuting times.

Contractors will make the most of the closure to speed up repair work at the underslip site on the Riwaka side of the hill. The aim is to have this section of road repaired and reopened to two lanes before Christmas.

This work will be disruptive, and its important people travelling on State Highway 60 between Golden Bay and Motueka factor it into their travel plans.

Once asphalting work on Tākaka Hill is completed during the night closures, contractors will move onto SH60 Commercial Street in Takāka. More information on this work will be shared soon.