Council has awarded a $1.55 million contract for road rehabilitation on three high-use roads to local company Fulton Hogan.

Four sections of road will be reconstructed – two on Thompsons Track, one on Fairfield Road and one on Seafield Road.

Group Manager of Infrastructure Neil McCann said rehabilitation involves the most significant work on a road, and involves digging out failed sections of pavement and constructing a new road on top of the existing one.

“Other roads are programmed for reseals or maintenance, but rehabilitation makes the biggest difference.”

The Ashburton District has one of the largest roading networks in the country, with sealed and gravel roads.

Mr McCann said Fulton Hogan will head to Thompsons Track first, with the aim of getting two sections completed before Christmas.

“The Fairfield and Seafield Road sites will be completed in the new year.”

He said the sections of road chosen for rehabilitation were at the end of their life.

“There is extensive cracking in the road seal, and numerous potholes and pavement failures, so drivers will see a big difference once the work is done.”

Contractors working for Council are making steady progress on repairs to Fords Road, Trevors Road and Pole Road.