A busy season of resurfacing and drainage works is getting underway on Wellington’s Transmission Gully motorway, with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) confirming the $32 million programme will run through to mid-February 2026.
NZTA regional manager for the Lower North Island and Top of the South Mark Owen says crews will be working at multiple sites between Kenepuru and Mackays Crossing Interchange.
“We have an extensive programme of works planned from Kenepuru right through to Mackays Crossing Interchange. Work crews will be at multiple sites in the upcoming months,” Owen says.
The agency says the work will begin on November 4, starting with night-time drainage repairs that will close northbound lanes between Linden and SH58 from 9 pm to 4.30 am on November 4–5, with detours via SH59.
Around six kilometres of the 27-kilometre motorway will be rebuilt where water has seeped into the pavement, while 18 kilometres of chip-sealing will be carried out to improve waterproofing before winter.
The resurfacing will also prepare the motorway for a potential speed-limit increase to 110 km/h, with NZTA now reviewing consultation feedback and technical advice.
Owen says the work needs to be done during warmer, drier weather and asked drivers to plan ahead and respect road-work speed limits.
“Drivers will need to plan ahead and factor in extra time for their journeys, as this work will require lane closures, road closures and speed restrictions,” Owen says. “The speed limits are there for a reason – to keep workers and drivers safe.”
Builder failed to complete chip-seal layer
In an interview with RNZ, Owen confirmed NZTA is spending $32 million on the work because parts of the motorway were never properly chip-sealed when it opened in March 2022.
He told Morning Report the motorway’s original builder did not apply the final chip-seal layer, leaving the surface insufficiently waterproof.
“As part of the builder’s managed exit programme we’ve now taken over the reins and we’re getting in and doing some of the finishing work, and one of those is to put that final chip seal layer on and get the pavement nice and waterproof,” Owen told RNZ.
He said the repairs should be completed by mid-February, though further resurfacing may follow next summer as NZTA considers switching to a longer-lasting asphalt surface.
The $1.25 billion Transmission Gully motorway opened three years ago as one of the country’s most significant transport projects, linking the northern Wellington region to Kāpiti.
