Drivers may face delays during Kerikeri Rd repairs

Kerikeri drivers may face extended travel times with Kerikeri Road to be restricted to one-way traffic travelling into town for three weeks while a section of road outside the Old Packhouse Market is rebuilt.

The $1.2 million project, due to begin on Tuesday 25 October and end on 18 November, will rehabilitate and resurface a 550-meter section of road extending from outside the Old Packhouse Market to the Maraenui Rd intersection. The work includes removing the existing tarmac, upgrading the road base, and applying a 200mm layer of hot mix (asphaltic concrete). The aim is to provide a surface that will require minimal ongoing maintenance for the next 25 years.

At the same time a slip lane will be constructed to improve safety for pedestrians and traffic accessing The Old Packhouse Market. This project is privately funded by the market owners. The two jobs will use the same contractor and are being combined to provide a seamless integration of road surfaces and reduce disruption for commuters.

During the work, one lane of Kerikeri Road will remain open to vehicles heading into town. The aim is to prevent long queues forming that could disrupt the intersection with State Highway 10. Drivers wishing to exit Kerikeri will have to use the Heritage Bypass and join State Highway 10 at Waipapa.

Calvin Thomas, General Manager Northland Transportation Alliance says other traffic management options were closely considered, including providing two-way access via stop-go signs or traffic lights at the construction site. However, this was rejected as it would extend and complicate the construction process and compromise the safety of road crews.

“We know this work will create delays and frustration, especially for drivers leaving Kerikeri and I apologise for that. However, with around 10,000 traffic movements on this road each day, we need to do all we can to avoid traffic queues disrupting State Highway 10. This option also means we can complete the job as quickly and safely as possible, without compromising construction quality.”

Since the current road surface was constructed 25 years ago, Kerikeri has grown significantly and Kerikeri Road is now the busiest in the Far North. That includes the district’s state highways.

“Traffic volume and tonnage have increased dramatically, and as a result Kerikeri Road has deteriorated significantly in parts,” says Mr Thomas. “This project marks the beginning of a 10-year, staged renewal of Kerikeri Road from the roundabout into town.”

He says that wherever possible, future rehabilitation work will be programmed to coincide with housing and other developments planned along the thoroughfare. This will ensure that installation of new utilities or changes to the road layout are incorporated with rehabilitation work, reducing disruption for commuters.

Businesses and residents adjacent to the roadworks will still be able to access their properties with guidance from road crews. Variable message boards have been installed along Kerikeri Road providing drivers with work and detour dates. Two-way traffic will be reinstated at night when road crews and machinery are not operating.

Go to the Kerikeri Road Rehabilitation webpage to find out more about the project and progress.