Fine weather has helped contractors seal the first road rehabilitation job of the new roading repair season.

Just over 500m of Ashburton Staveley Road near Walkhams Road has had failed areas dug out, a new layer of pavement constructed over the existing, and was last week sealed by contractor Fulton Hogan Ashburton.

Group Manager of Infrastructure and Open Spaces Neil McCann said it was part of a tender for rehabilitation on five sections of road.

“The contractor was able to get going early and the fine weather has given us a great headstart.”

Two other sites on Ashburton Staveley Road will be rehabilitated, along with one on Forks Road and another on Pudding Hill Road. In total, 4115m will be improved.

Mr McCann said ACL as subcontractor to Fulton Hogan was just starting work on Forks Road, where 1.2km is to be rehabilitated.

“This will take six or seven weeks, as long as the weather stays fine. Over 40 per cent of the area needs to be dugout and replaced with strong gravel.”

No detours will be in place, though traffic through the work zone will be controlled by temporary traffic lights.

Fulton Hogan is also starting work this week on 1.3km of Pudding Hill Road, either side of the intersection with Dip Road and Longsford Road.

Mr McCann said the slippery bend would be reconstructed and signage upgraded to improve safety.

“Again, this project will be six or seven weeks, with fine weather.”

Second contract awarded

Council has recently awarded a $1.4 million rehabilitation contract for two sites on Beach Road East, one site on Seafield Road and one on Maronan Road.

“The tender was awarded to Fulton Hogan and it will be completed this summer,” Mr McCann said.

The two sites on Beach Road East are scheduled to be completed before Christmas, while Seafield Road and Maronan Road are to be completed by April 2025.

Detours will be in place for each site so the work can be completed as efficiently as possible.

Mr McCann said sites chosen for rehabilitation had more sections of failures or potholes than others in the district.

“Our aim is to make these roads better and safer for all who use them.”