Kerikeri Rd businesses still operating during rehabilitation work

Roading contractors working on a major Kerikeri Road upgrade will ensure visitors have clear access to Kerikeri’s popular Old Packhouse Market each weekend.

Calvin Thomas, General Manager Northland Transportation Alliance, says reducing the impact on Kerikeri Road businesses, such as Makana Confections, the Old Packhouse Market and others, was a key consideration when designing traffic control measures for the three-week project.

“We know this work will impact Kerikeri Road businesses and we are doing all we can to provide customers and staff with access to local businesses. For the Old Packhouse Market, traffic controls will be repositioned each weekend so there is close to normal access to the market entrance from either direction. Traffic control staff will also be on site to ensure that traffic continues to run smoothly.”

He is urging residents and visitors to continue supporting local businesses affected by the work. He says all drivers wishing to access properties while construction is underway can still do so with the guidance of road crews. “Please tell traffic controllers which business or property you want to visit, and they will ensure you get to your destination and out again as quickly as possible.”

Mr Thomas says most drivers and residents have been positive about the aims of the rehabilitation project. That is despite significant traffic congestion on Tuesday, the first day Kerikeri Road was reduced to one-way traffic.

“We have received complaints, and there have been a few unfortunate incidents where roading contractors have been abused but on the whole, drivers have been patient and supportive and I want to thank them for that.”

He says that following unacceptably long delays experienced along Waipapa Road on Tuesday afternoon, traffic controls have been put in place at Waipapa roundabout to ensure traffic flows smoothly at peak times.

He says the project remains on track for completion by 18 November despite extra stabilisation work being required due to poor ground conditions.

The project plan includes contingencies to accommodate extra work and we are still on target, he says.