Roads

Roads

We are responsible for the maintenance, renewals and improvements of a network of roads, footpaths and cycleways in the district.

This includes resealing, road markings, sweeping, traffic signals, signage, street light maintenance, pedestrian crossings and managing traffic flows and improvements. On average a road is resealed every 12 years and is checked regularly for any necessary maintenance.

• Road works

If you have any suggestions or comments to make about roads or footpaths in the district, please contact us.

• Contact us

Fascinating facts about roads

In the 2007/2008 financial year more than $20 million will be spent on roads in New Plymouth District:

Operations: $8.84m 
Renewals and augmentation: $11.28m (e.g. resealing, seal widening, new kerb and channel)
TOTAL: $20.12 million 

Definitions

Sump: Point to which stormwater / surface water drains. They are usually covered with a cast iron grate.

Kerb and channel: Otherwise known as gutters.

Culvert: A concrete pipe used for a watercourse / stormwater under a road.

Berm: The grassed area between the kerb and channel and the footpath, and the footpath and the property boundary. Residents are required to maintain the berm outside their property. You cannot generally plant or concrete the berm area by the kerb and channel.

Vehicle crossings: Otherwise known as drive-ways.

Reseals: The two seals most commonly used in New Plymouth District are hotmix and chip seal. While hotmix handles wear and tear better, it is five times the cost of traditional chip seal (bitumen and stone chips). Hotmix is used on key arterial routes, intersections, shopping centres and service lanes.

Road stopping: This is the process of stopping legal roads, and removing its implied rights as a road.

Cycle lane / Cycle way: Designated areas of the road for cyclists to enable safer riding.

Overhanging vegetation: Trees, shrubs or other plants that overhang the footpath or road must be trimmed regularly to ensure driving visibility and road safety, and enable pedestrians to use footpaths unobstructed. Clearance is required for the width of the footpath 2.5m above the footpath (includes clearance for NZ Post bike staff) and 4.2m from the curb side into the carriage way above the road (includes clearance for waste management and curb suction trucks).

Related links

• Maintenance of roads and footpaths
• Maintenance of State Highways 
• Purchasing unformed legal roads
• Road closures
• Road works
• Rural property numbering (rapid numbers)
• Transit New Zealand website