It cost $630m, but Kapiti Expressway already in need of repair after just eight months

October 2, 2017

The Kapiti Expressway has been open for just eight months, but already repairs are required.

It's only eight months old but already a section of the $630 million Kapiti Expressway north of Wellington is in need of repair.

Areas of the road's surface are showing signs of fatigue, just months after opening.

The New Zealand Transport Agency says areas of the road's surface are showing signs of fatigue, after moisture got inside the membrane seal applied to the pavement before the surfacing was laid. It's since loosened small particles on the top of the pavement.

While only 3.2 kilometres of seal on the expressway's slow lanes is affected, the areas are spread out, so contractors are going to have to reseal 14km of road in total on both north and south bound lanes.

NZTA says the problem was identified in May and has been monitored closely since.

Schools are packed and businesses are thriving since the new road opened north of Wellington.

The work is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2018 and will be funded by NZTA and contractors.

SHARE ME

More Stories