Govt sets out pothole repair targets

The Government has set out new targets in a bid to to identify and fix potholes on state highways faster.

Last month the Government announced a near $4 billion boost to combat potholes on state highways and local roads over the next three years.

Today, the new pothole repair targets were announced as agreed between the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and roading contractors.

The targets are for 95% of potholes on high volume, national, and arterial state highways and 85% of potholes on regional, primary collector, and secondary collector state highways be repaired within 24 hours of identification.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown said boosting pothole repairs and prevention would deliver a "safe and efficient network" that would support the Government's plans for growth.

"Achieving these targets will reduce the number of potholes on our roads, and the use of premium materials, innovative technology, and increased resources will prevent potholes from forming again in the same location."

Instead of placing cold mix in potholes, contractors would now increase the use of new innovations to ensure that temporary pothole repairs last longer before a permanent reseal can take place.

It included the use of prefabricated mats - a square of chip seal bonded with bitumen - that can be heated and then compacted on the road. They can act as a crack seal as well as a finished surface.

"Our Government has delivered a record 91% funding boost for State Highway Pothole Prevention over the next three years," Brown said.

"But to get results, that funding boost must be paired with higher expectations. The targets I have announced today will help focus NZTA and our roading contractors on ensuring we can repair and prevent the potholes that have been plaguing our roads."

Brown said the targets announced today would be delivered through NZTA's state highway pothole prevention activity class.

"Potholes are a safety hazard and cause significant disruption, which is why I encourage all New Zealanders that see a pothole on our highways to report it to NZTA immediately."

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Progress on achieving these targets would be tracked through automated real-time reporting by August 1

NZTA was already holding daily operational calls with suppliers to monitor performance and identify trends.