Frustrated residents living near Christchurch’s Northern Corridor will have to wait longer for low noise asphalt.

The delay is due to a hold-up in getting one of the key ingredients for the top coat, epoxy resin, from the United States.

NZTA “Regional Relationships director” James Caygill aid Covid-related shipping problems were to blame.

 “We are sorry about this delay, given the concerns of nearby residents.”

The epoxy gives the low noise asphalt a significantly longer life and maintains its noise reducing powers for longer.

“We did have the option to use a low noise asphalt without epoxy, but this coating would only last for up to eight years instead of 30-plus years with epoxy.”

“We know Redwood residents living closest to the motorway will be disappointed about this delay, but we hope they can see a short delay now will reap benefits longer term.”

The remaining chip sealing work on the CNC has been postponed until the epoxy arrives.

At this stage, NZTA i is anticipating the delay to be a “month or two, into the New Year.”

“We still hope to complete all the low noise surfacing work for the entire motorway (Cranford Street to the Waimakariri Bridge) and QEII Drive between Main North Road and the Innes Road roundabout by April 2022.”