Hamilton’s annual road resealing season is under way, with crews working across the city to resurface 32km of roads. Approximately 8km of roads have been completed to date.
The construction season runs from October through to March and is timed to take advantage of daylight saving and the warmer weather. This provides the best conditions for long-lasting results, as wet weather can impact the quality of the new seal.
Hamilton City Council's Head of Transport Gordon Naidoo, said the resealing programme is a smart way to protect our roads – and avoid costly repairs down the track.
"Every summer, we spend a few months resealing some of Hamilton’s roads. Resealing is like putting a fresh coat of paint on a house, it protects the road’s foundations and helps keep the surface safe to drive on.
“Resealing is cost-effective as it reduces the risk of potholes and surface failures occurring, which can be expensive and invasive to fix,” Naidoo said.
“We understand roadworks can be frustrating. A short disruption now means safer, smoother roads in the long run, saving everyone time and money.
"To reduce disruptions, we carry out nightworks where possible, as there is less traffic on the roads."
This summer’s construction programme is budgeted to cost $15 million, with 51% funded by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. In addition to resealing, a small number of road rehabilitations will be completed.
“Rehabilitations are different to reseals, as we need to dig up the whole road or surface and rebuild it from scratch with new or reusable materials.
“If you see us working in your area that means we’ve identified issues that need to be addressed, even if they’re not visible from above the surface.”
Road repairs and maintenance are delivered by Connect Hamilton, a partnership between Council and Downer NZ.
Council will inform residents and businesses of any roadworks on their street at least two weeks before works start.
To learn more about upcoming roadworks and how they may affect your area, visit hamilton.govt.nz/roadworks.