Whakatu Drive will close completely for three nights from next Friday for major resurfacing work.
Waka Kotahi’s Mark Owen says the state highway will close between Annesbrook Roundabout and Raeward Roundabout from 8pm on Friday 4 November.
It will reopen at 5.30am, Monday 7 November with speed restrictions, but will then have night closures between 8pm and 5.30am until Thursday 10 November.
Marks says the “substantial” resurfacing work will be done in two parts and every effort is being made to minimise disruption.
The full closure will allow the road to be resurfaced, and the following night closures will enable the road to be swept and new road markings put down.
“We are closing the road fully over the weekend to do the resurfacing work when traffic numbers are at their lowest. A full closure also means road crews can get the job done in the shortest possible time. If we did this during the day with the road open under traffic management, this work would take us around three weeks to complete,” Mark says.
While the work is underway, Main Road Stoke has been temporarily approved for all vehicles for the duration of the closure.
Mark says temporary speed restrictions will be in place on Whakatu Drive while it is open to traffic during the day. and it’s vital for the safety of both drivers and road crews that they are obeyed as there may be loose chip on the road.
“We realise roadworks can be a hassle for road users. However, maintaining roads helps prevent costlier, longer, and more inconvenient repairs later on. Please be patient and bear with us while we get this essential work done.”
Waka Kotahi say they have also been in touch with the organisers of the Nelson Half Marathon scheduled for Sunday, 6 November. They say the planned roadworks will not affect this event. The shared path as part of the course will remain open, and sealing will be carried out on the far side of the road during the event.
