Nearly 2.5km of Thompsons Track, one of the busiest roads in the Ashburton District, is being rehabilitated to make it wider and stronger.

The work is being done in two sections, between Braemar Lauriston Road and Braemar Road, and is on track to be completed by 11 April.

Infrastructure and Open Spaces Group Manager Neil McCann said the pavement in those sections was at the end of its life.

“The weak spots are being dug out and replaced with stronger material, and the seal on both sections will be widened from 7m to 8m.

“Thompsons Track is one of our busiest roads and carries local and regional traffic, including heavy traffic and lots of tourists and skiers heading to Methven and the foothills.”

The rehabilitation is costing around $850,000 and the contractor for the job is Fulton Hogan.

Mr McCann thanked regular road users who were affected by traffic management at the two work sites.

“We know those who use Thompsons Track and people who live off it are affected by this work and thank them for their patience. It’s really important that we continually improve the standard of our roads around the district when we can afford to as many were built decades ago and not designed for the heavy loads that now travel on them.”

The section between Braemar Lauriston Road and Pole Road is planned to be sealed on 22 March, and the section between Pole Road and Braemar Road is planned to be sealed on 11 April.