Why do roads need to be resurfaced?

The seal on a road is like paint on your house - it keeps water out of the structure underneath. Like paint it can break down and start to let water in. The ideal time to resurface a road is just before significant visible damage occurs. Your road may look okay but still need resurfacing to prevent water damaging the underlying layers and potholes forming.

Generally, low volume local roads are resurfaced with chip seal instead of asphalt. The cost of asphalt is approximately five times more than chip seal. Resurfacing with asphalt typically occurs only on main arterial (high volume) roads.

What sort of road maintenance repairs do we do?

While many roads may look okay, our engineers have discovered underlying issues which require repairs to maintain the road and stop further issues developing.

Road maintenance can include mill and fill patches, edge break repairs, crack sealing and cement stabilising. We carry out this maintenance work to avoid further deterioration, water damage to the layers underneath and potholes forming.

What is a preseal repair?

Pre-seal repairs are minor repairs and maintenance work so there is a good foundation before resurfacing the road with chipseal.

What happens after chip sealing operations?

Loose chip may be present on the road surface—this is normal. Chipseal requires a settling period that can last from several weeks to a few months, during which vehicle traffic helps press the chip into place. While the temporary speed limit is in effect, please adhere to it. Excessive speed may cause loose stone chips to scatter, potentially ending up in berms, footpaths, and driveways. We typically sweep the road within a few days of sealing and will continue to monitor conditions, returning as needed to remove any remaining loose chip.

What is bitumen and how do I avoid getting it on my driveway and shoes?

Bitumen is the sticky black substance we use when sealing your road.  It is the binder that holds chipseal or asphalt in place. For the first few days after the roadworks avoid stationary turning of your vehicle (by keeping your car moving when you turn the wheel), particularly at your driveway entrance. This helps avoid bitumen being tracked onto properties. It also helps look after the new road surface.

How do I remove bitumen?

We recommend checking shoes before going inside. Also check your driveway, tyres and car. The easiest way to remove bitumen is by using WD-40 Lubricant or CRC and a rag. You can also use turpentine or kerosene.

How do I remove cement?

Washing your car as you would normally with soap and water will remove any cement splashes.

Why do we work at night?

For some roadworks such as resurfacing, providing access to the area for traffic is difficult, so this work is usually done at night when traffic volumes are lower. 

What causes delays to the work?

This work is very weather dependent because wet conditions and low temperatures affect the materials used. If the weather is unfavourable, the work will be done on the next available day. Sometimes delays occur due to plant and material issues or other jobs. Please be patient with our team who work hard to ensure works are completed on time.

How long will the work take?

Our works are weather dependant but we endeavour to finish our work efficiently. Each job will have a different time frame. Please visit the specific works page for estimated length:

Mount Maunganui
Tauranga City
Papamoa

Will I still be able to access my property?

Residents will always have access to their properties, but we kindly ask for your patience as our crews and machinery operate in the area. Please follow the guidance of our traffic management team and allow extra time to ensure everyone’s safety during these movements.

When will the line marking be redone?

This will be completed within a few days after the works.  This could occur during the night when traffic volumes are lower.   

What if it is rubbish collection day?

Please take your bin out as normal; we work with the rubbish company to ensure your bins are still emptied. 

Who do I contact if I have concerns or queries?

Please let us know as early as possible either by contacting Fulton Hogan or Tauranga City Council. Please visit the contact us page for contact details.

How loud are the works expected to be?

The level of noise will vary depending on the task at hand, but we make every effort to minimise disruption. You may notice some ground vibration and the sound of trucks reversing. The beeping noise is a vital Fulton Hogan safety feature, designed to alert those nearby to moving vehicles, machinery, or plant equipment.

You can direct questions to our team on the ground or call the council using the number on the contact us page.

What should I do if there are potholes on my road or a sign is down?

Please call the Tauranga City Council on 07 577 7000

Mowing and Vegetation

Tauranga City Council along with other contractors carry out routine mowing across the city, following a 4–6 week schedule. While berm maintenance is typically the responsibility of the property owner or occupier, there are specific situations where contractors will maintain the berms on their behalf.