What type of work and why in summer?
Road resealing
Every year, Hauraki District Council carries out a summer resealing programme as part of our planned maintenance schedule. Resealing ensures waterproofing of the existing road surface and reduces the rate of further deterioration, ensuring our roads remain safe and able to cope with the amount of traffic using them.
We do this work in the summer months when there are no frosts, which can damage the new seal surface. The road seal is similar to paint on a house; it stops moisture from getting in, which in a cold snap will expand and cause cracking, which in turn will cause potholing. To make sure we get the maximum life out of our roads therefore, we carry out any structure repairs in spring and then do the accompanying reseals in the warm dry summer months.
In our district temperature extremes, large traffic flows in summer when the seal is soft, and high numbers of heavy vehicles mean that our roads take a real pounding. In some cases roads are visibly in need of repair, but at other times they may appear to be in good order but inspection has shown that the surface needs attention before it deteriorates; it costs a lot less to do reseals before the underlying road base is damaged.
Road rehabilitation and rebuilding
(commonly referred to as AWTs or area wide treatments)
In addition to resealing, Council undertakes road rehabilitation or rebuilding works where roads have structural damage that goes beyond the surface. Road rehabilitation means removing and rebuilding both the surface and the underlying pavement layers. This work may include strengthening or replacing the pavement base, improving drainage, laying new surfacing, and restoring line markings and safety features. Rehabilitation is carried out when repeated patching is no longer cost-effective and is necessary to extend the road's life and prevent ongoing deterioration.
Drainage renewals
Council also undertakes drainage renewal and stormwater pipe replacement as part of the summer works programme. This involves replacing old or damaged stormwater pipes and upgrading drainage systems to reduce flooding, blockages, and improve stormwater flow during heavy rainfall. Works typically include excavation and pipe removal, installation of new stormwater pipes, pits or culverts, and reinstatement of road or footpath surfaces. These upgrades help maintain public infrastructure and prevent system failures.
Bridge structural repairs
Our bridge structural repairs and maintenance programme includes regular inspections to assess condition and safety, structural repairs for damage or wear, and preventive maintenance such as repainting, drainage clearing, and joint repairs. Works are prioritised based on risk, condition, and available budget. The purpose of this programme is to keep bridges safe, extend their lifespan, and avoid more costly emergency repairs in future.
Our team regularly assess the state of our roads and prioritise which of them need repair. Priority is given to roads with surface cracking, potholes and other issues which could pose a risk to motorists.
