Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is assuring people that essential maintenance will continue on Waikato and Bay of Plenty state highways to ensure the network remains safe for essential workers, for the movement of essential goods and to support lifeline functions during the nationwide COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown.

Regional Manager Maintenance and Operations Rob Campbell says major project work is not seen as an essential service and has been stood down while New Zealand is at Alert Level 4, as has non-essential maintenance activities.

“Maintenance activities are allowed only if they address immediate risks to safety, property or the environment and/or for nationally important infrastructure.

“Services to maintain and protect worksites to ensure they are safe can continue and this includes things like traffic management and environmental controls. We will continue to manage and monitor environmental risks and traffic management plans to protect each worksite and make sure all sites are safe for the travelling public.

“Waka Kotahi will ensure that all temporarily closed worksites on the state highway network remain safe for road users, and appropriate traffic management measures will be in place.”

Planning and administrative support work will continue remotely where possible, in preparation for returning to work under the various alert levels.

Mr Campbell asks people to be patient and respectful to roadworkers and look out for their safety and wellbeing.

“If you see contractors out on the roads during the shutdown period please remember that they are carrying out essential work to keep us all safe.

“If you are using the roads during this period remember to comply with any temporary speed reductions through roadworks to keep workers safe.

“Only head out for essential supplies or services, otherwise, please stay safe, and stay home. If you must drive to access essential supplies or services please take care, drive to the conditions and obey the speed limits.”

People are also encouraged to call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS to report any urgent safety issues on the state highway network.