Temporary fixes to central-city roads not holding up

Potholes caused by wet weather are reappearing within days of being repaired, and it’s frustrating some Auckland inner-city motorists.

Heavy rainfall and traffic, compounded by ageing roads such as Hopetoun Street, are believed to be the major causes contributing to a bumpy commute, according to locals.

Hopetoun Street resident Kelvyn Chapman said Auckland Transport’s quick-fix attitude to persistent potholes is prolonging the problem that has been going on for years.

“They throw a bit of tar sealing in, and it slips away again in the rain,” said Mr Chapman.

This comes as the city experiences its 26^th consecutive day of rainfall.

Mr Chapman said the problem could become dangerous as there is heavy traffic during rush-hour, and drivers tend to speed on the street.

“I’ve seen people whose front left wheel has gone into a hole and made it worse. People can bust their axels, it’s that bad,” he said.

Auckland Transport customer liaison leader Phil Wratt agreed that the street did indeed require new and permanent surfacing, in a response to an Official Information request.

“A resurfacing project was planned to renew the existing surfacing which had reached the end of its [10-year] life,” he said.

The New Zealand Transport Agency’s website states that high-traffic roads need resealing about every seven years, after which time they lose their waterproof qualities and result in potholes.

Automobile Association Principle Advisor Barney Irvine said potholes were a considerable source of frustration for AA members, and rated among the most annoying road conditions in a February survey.

“Potholes ranked second highest with 62% of people identifying them as an annoyance; money wasted on repeat/double-up road work ranked highest with 67%,” he said in a statement.

Auckland Transport spokesperson, Natalie Polley, said AT would begin working on Hopetoun Street “this summer”.

“Until this work is started, AT will do repairs as necessary to keep the road open for all users,” Ms Polley said.

Mr Chapman said, “It’s only a temporary fix, they’re not doing their job properly.”