SH60 between Motueka-Richmond to partially close later this month for repairs

Part of State Highway 60 between Motueka and Richmond will partially close later this month to allow for extensive road resurfacing.

Waka Kotahi system manager for Top of the South Andrew James said the work was essential to keeping the road safe and up to standard.

"Even the best-designed roads wear out over time. In the same way your car needs a service, our state highways do as well. This work is all about keeping the road up to standard and safe for traffic."

The state highway will close to traffic travelling west-bound from Richmond to Motueka from Sunday 16 October to Thursday 20 October, between 7am and 5pm each day.

A detour route will be in place via the Moutere Highway and Main Road Lower Moutere.

James said the roadworks and detour would mean travel times between Richmond and Motueka would be about six minutes longer.

"We apologise for the inconvenience, but regular maintenance work like this reduces the need for major repairs and the risk of even greater hassles for road users down the track."

The road will remain open for those travelling from Motueka to Richmond.

While the work is underway, temporary speed restrictions will be in place.