en.Wedoany.com Reported - New Zealand's 2025-26 summer state highway renewal program has completed over 1,800 lane-kilometers of road resurfacing or reconstruction, despite adverse weather in parts of the country. This program is part of the record NZ$2.07 billion investment in state highway maintenance, renewals, and drainage improvements under the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop stated that the just-completed 2025-26 state highway renewal program builds on the work of the previous summer, continuing the focus on building high-quality, more durable roads nationwide. The program includes resealing, asphalt resurfacing, and full road reconstruction projects, with over 250 lane-kilometers of roads reconstructed this season.

Bishop noted that despite multiple major weather events affecting roads across the country, particularly in the upper North Island in early 2026, construction crews still achieved this target. He pointed out that water is the enemy of roads, and the persistent weather events this summer made it difficult for road construction crews to complete the plan while also posing challenges to the entire road network.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) initially planned to reconstruct or reseal approximately 2,100 lane-kilometers of state highways during the summer maintenance period. Bishop said any sites not completed due to weather or other factors will be carried over into next summer's program, which will be the final year of the current National Land Transport Programme.

Ultimately, over 1,800 lane-kilometers of roads received new seal coats or asphalt, or were completely replaced. With over 250 lane-kilometers of roads reconstructed, NZTA and its maintenance contractors achieved results similar to last summer, delivering a significant amount of brand-new, high-quality roads.

Bishop thanked drivers and freight operators for their patience during construction, as well as contractors for working hard under adverse conditions. These works were funded through the State Highway Pothole Prevention Fund, which aims to improve road maintenance outcomes and extend the lifespan of the state highway network.

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