All non-essential work on state highways will stop during New Zealand’s Covid-19 level 4 national shutdown, the NZ Transport Agency says.
Some critical state highway maintenance work and emergency works will continue, and staff will also be maintained in traffic control operations centres. All other work will stop at midnight, March 25.
“Capital works on state highway projects are not classified as essential services, and we have advised contractors and sub-contractors to make arrangements for work to shut down from tomorrow,” NZTA transport services general manager Brett Gliddon says.
While there will be an impact on the timelines for some projects, the effect of the shutdown on specific projects wouldn’t be known for some time.
“Our immediate focus is on ensuring the health and safety of workers and the wider community during this very difficult time. We are committed to doing our part as New Zealand comes together to respond to this unprecedented challenge,” Gliddon says.
The highway work shutdown includes major works like the billion-dollar Transmission Gully project.
Stuff.co.nz is reporting many Australians who were working on the project with two-weeks on, four-days off rosters, have headed back across the Ditch rather than be quarantined in New Zealand.
