Chip sealing work on Ratanui Rd

Motorists using Ratanui Rd between Paraparaumu and Otaihanga are being urged to take extra care passing through while chip sealing work is completed. 

Council is topping up the chip seal on Ratanui Rd in Paraparaumu while a permanent solution to bitumen bleeding is found. 

Group Manager Infrastructure Services Sean Mallon says on recent hot days the bitumen on the road has been bleeding through the top chip layer. This can cause a loss of chip and raises the potential for bitumen to get sticky. 

“Testing of the road surface to identify the cause is underway and will inform development of a permanent fix,” Mr Mallon says. 

“Until then we will monitor the road every day and reapply chip as required to maintain a safe driving surface. We’ll also regularly sweep the road of excess chip and use water to keep the road surface cool on hot days as required.” 

Traffic management will be in place when we do this work to ensure safety. Speed has been reduced to 30kph until the problem is fixed. 

The problem is most pronounced on hot days when heat “livens” the bitumen and it rises to the surface. 

“We know this will cause some disruption on what is a busy link between Paraparaumu and Otaihanga, but for safety reasons it is important we take steps to slow traffic down until we get this fixed,” Mr Mallon says. 

Council’s annual chip sealing programme is set to kick off soon. 

“Crews will be out and about over the summer making the most of the dry weather to maintain our roading network. This is important work needed to make sure our roads are safe for all users.” 

Visit Chip seal resurfacing for information on the 2021/22 road resurfacing programme.