The Masterton to Carterton project is gearing up for its final act, as the last round of road surfacing works is all set to kick off on State Highway 2 next week. This project is reaching its climax after a journey that commenced back in late July 2022.
Jetesh Bhula, the Regional Manager of Infrastructure Delivery, is the one spilling the beans, revealing that the road wizards are all set to lay down the ultimate coat of blacktop and paint fresh road tattoos. They’re about to make the magic happen starting next Wednesday, November 1st. They plan to keep the ball rolling until Thursday, December 14th, weather permitting, of course.
“We understand it’s been a long time coming, but you see, the Masterton to Carterton project has its quirks. It needs warmth and dryness to stick right and become buddies with the fresh asphalt. It’s a no-go during the soggy, chilly winter days,” Mr. Bhula explains.
This operation is a six-week gig, and the clock’s ticking because they need the highway to be in top shape for the upcoming summer holiday season.
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Closing the Chapter: Masterton to Carterton Project’s Roadway Transformation
The night owls will be in for a treat as the work happens during the late shifts from Sunday to Thursday, and the highway will take a nap, closed to traffic between 8 pm and 6 am. Folks driving southbound between Masterton and Carterton might need to take a little detour through Cornwall Rd and Hughes Line. Oh, and don’t be surprised by some speed limits—those freshly paved sections need some time to settle down properly.
These surfacing shenanigans are bound to cause some traffic hiccups, so plan your travels with the Masterton to Carterton project in mind. The contractors will hustle, but if Mother Nature decides to play tricks on them with some wet weather, you might have to twiddle your thumbs for a bit. In the meantime, Mr. Bhula proudly shares that the newly installed median barriers are already superheroes in action. They’ve taken three hits and saved the day three times by preventing head-on collisions. So, even on seemingly straightforward stretches like this part of State Highway 2, accidents can sneak up on you. Those median barriers are the unsung heroes, cutting down on mishaps and mayhem.
Waka Kotahi sends out a big thanks to all the locals and road warriors for their patience and understanding while the Masterton to Carterton project’s grand finale unfolds. It’s almost curtain call for this vital project, and we can all breathe a sigh of relief as our highway journey inches closer to safety’s sweet embrace.
