Truck drivers and motorists travelling State Highway 73 through Arthur’s Pass next week are being advised by the NZ Transport Agency to allow up to 40 minutes longer for their journey time because of road works on the highway.
Work is expected to get underway on Tuesday (17 February) to reseal a 2km stretch of the highway to the west of Klondyke Corner and work is progressing just west of Arthur’s Pass on the reconstruction and resealing of SH73.
NZTA says the work at Klondyke corner will take only two days to complete, however, the actual days of work will be dependent on suitable weather.
Motorists could face delays at both works sites, adding up to 40 minutes to their journey time, and the Transport Agency apologises in advance for any inconvenience.
NZTA has such a small window of opportunity available to complete the works in this alpine area that it had to schedule the works to be completed at the same time.
SH73 is being resealed between Klondyke corner and the Greyney’s Bridge, the narrowness of the road meaning both sides of the highway need to be sealed at the same time, completely closing the highway for up to 30 minutes at a time.
Work has been underway west of Arthur’s Pass for the last five weeks reconstructing and resealing 600 metres of the highway.
The highway is reduced to single lane throughout the day – opened to two lanes at night – with the traffic controlled by lights. Delays of five to 10 minutes are possible at this site. This work remains on schedule for completion in mid-April.
