Annual road resealing programme underway across Upper Hutt

Published on 24 February 2026

Upper Hutt City Council has begun its annual road resealing programme, with work taking place across multiple neighbourhoods over the coming weeks.

Each year, Council undertakes resealing to maintain and protect local roads. While it may look like a simple surface treatment, resealing plays a critical role in keeping Upper Hutt’s transport network safe, durable and cost-effective for our community.

When and where

Works are taking place between 23 February and 13 March 2026 across selected streets throughout the city. A full list of affected streets is available on our roading and safety updates page here.

The progress of these works is weather dependent. Wet or cold conditions can delay resealing, as dry conditions are required for the seal to bond properly.

Why resealing matters

Road resealing is preventative maintenance. It seals the road surface to stop water from penetrating the layers beneath. Without this protection, water can weaken the pavement structure, leading to potholes, cracking and more extensive damage.

By resealing at the right time, Council can:

• Extend the life of the road surface
• Prevent more expensive reconstruction work in the future
• Improve skid resistance and safety
• Maintain a smoother, more reliable driving surface

  Investing in annual resealing helps reduce long-term costs for ratepayers and ensures roads remain safe for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

What the work involves

The resealing programme typically includes:

• Surface preparation
• Application of a bitumen binder
• Spreading of chip to seal the surface
• Rolling and sweeping to secure the seal

In some locations, asphalt resurfacing may also be carried out, particularly at intersections or turning areas where wear is higher.

Temporary traffic management will be in place while work is underway. Residents may notice loose chips on the road surface for a short period following sealing. This is normal and will be swept as part of the finishing process.

Access to properties will be maintained wherever possible, although short delays may occur.

Council appreciates the community’s patience while this essential maintenance is completed. These works are an important part of caring for Upper Hutt’s infrastructure and ensuring our roads remain safe and reliable for everyone.