Road Works Affected by Heavy Rain

Heavy rain overnight on Monday has caused problems with the resurfacing of Devon Street West between Queen and Egmont streets.

The rain delayed the setting of a newly-laid cement-stabilised road metal layer and caused its surface to turn to slurry. Vehicles driven along this section of road would need to be washed afterward to remove cement splashes, and pedestrians crossing the road would need to be aware of the possibility of tracking wet cement onto the bluestone pavers and possibly into nearby shops.

In response to requests from some business owners, New Plymouth District Council contractors laid out carpet at some shop doors for people to remove any cement from their shoes, and also put up warning signs for drivers regarding cement splashes.

“The contractor made a call with the weather and unfortunately got caught out,” says Manager Roading Assets Max Aves.

“The rain that came was heavier than forecast and arrived at just the wrong time. We’re managing the situation now but we apologise to anyone who has been affected.

“There will be some further clean-up actions taken when the situation has stabilised.”

This work is part of a four-year programme to improve road surfaces in New Plymouth’s CBD.

Once the cement-stabilised layer has set and been shaped, the contractor will place a single layer of chipseal before finishing off with a hotmix surface.

“We’re aiming to finish this section of Devon Street West within a week but that depends entirely on the weather,” says Mr Aves.