Ross Giblin / Stuff
Waka Kotahi is going to rebuild part of SH3 starting October 3rd.
A section of State Highway 3 near Awahuri in Manawatū will be closed during the day for three weeks in October to allow some of it to be rebuilt.
Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency’s Manawatū-Whanganui systems manager of maintenance and operations, Rob Service, said there would be a diversion while the road was closed so the work could be done.
“Our contractors will rebuild a portion of State Highway 3 between Stewart Road and Awahuri Feilding Road to restore power, improve drainage and ensure it is safe for people to use.”
The work will be carried out from Monday 3 October to Thursday 20 October, from Monday to Saturday between 6 am and 6 pm.
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During this time, SH3 will be closed between Stewart and Awahuri Feilding and traffic traveling south to Palmerston North will be rerouted via Stewart Rd to Awahuri Feilding Rd, with northbound traffic following the same route in reverse.
The road is open at night and on Sundays with a temporary speed limit of 30 km/h.
Service said there were several phases in the renovation work, including hoeing the existing pavement, adding additional gravel for the base layer, compacting the soil and sealing with a first layer.
“The contractors will then come back in about 12 months to apply the second layer of waterproofing, the final waterproof layer.
“This is a standard road construction technique used throughout New Zealand, ensuring that the first coat is well traded to prevent flushing.”
Flushing is where bitumen comes up through the road surface covering the chip, resulting in a lack of texture and skid resistance. In wet weather, the water cannot drain properly, which can lead to loss of traction.
This work is being carried out as part of the Manawatū-Whanganui summer maintenance program.
People are being asked to follow traffic management directions and adhere to speed limits to ensure the safety of all involved and minimize the risk of damage to both vehicles and any new seals.