Two roundabouts at Rakaia have been reconstructed and given asphalt treatment, designed to cope with heavy vehicles making high-stress turns.

The two roundabouts on Elizabeth Street and the road in between have been partially reconstructed in stages over the past few months, with about 1000m2 of asphalt laid.

Ashburton District Council’s roading contractor HEB has carried out the work, for around $100,000.

Council Infrastructure Services Group Manager Neil McCann said parts of the old road dated back several decades and the pavement had failed, resulting in potholes.

“After many years of taking a beating from heavy trucks turning, the pavement was weak and had to be removed, or milled as it is called in the industry.

“It was replaced with a strong asphalt surface and pavement which will be able to withstand the high turning stresses of the many heavy vehicles which use these roundabouts every day.”

Mr McCann said the repair should last until the entire roundabout needed to be reconstructed, planned within the next 10 years.

“Using the mill and asphalt system meant the roundabouts weren’t closed for several weeks at a time. The roundabouts were closed for three nights during the entire project.

“Asphalt is more expensive than chipseal but better able to handle the high volume of heavy trucks that use these roundabouts.”