New Zealand’s Transport Minister, Chris Bishop, has defended teh government’s approach to road maintenance, stating that winter conditions make extensive pothole repairs impractical and potentially hazardous.
During a discussion on TVNZ’s Breakfast program, Bishop explained that while summer allows for more comprehensive roadworks, winter’s weather patterns, including rain and ice, can exacerbate road damage and create hazardous conditions for repair crews. This means that some potholes may remain unrepaired for extended periods during the colder months.
Alastair Mackintosh, Chief Executive of NZRoad Limited, a company specializing in pothole patching and spray sealing, noted that while rain complicates patching, his company finds winter conditions beneficial for their work. He explained that the emulsion used in repairs is applied at 50 degrees Celsius, and the cooler ambient temperatures help it set quickly.
Mackintosh stated that NZRoad Limited completes between 60 and 100 repair jobs daily during the winter months.Addressing concerns about a 40% repeat job rate in June, he acknowledged that not all repairs are permanent. He attributed this to potential issues wiht the underlying road structure or the conditions under which the repairs are made, noting that potholes are not always uniform in shape, which can affect the longevity of the fix.
He added that his company meticulously photographs each repair job and that engineers review these images to assess the need for future follow-up inspections.