The road surface at six sites along the state highway in central and north Dunedin was
in need of replacement. Some of the paving was more than 20 years old and had broken down, the NZTA said.
Resurfacing was expected to save maintenance costs in the long term.
Work began on the first site between St Andrew and Hanover Sts yesterday.
Resurfacing was expected to take four to six weeks in total.
NZTA state highways operations manager (Otago-Southland) Roger Bailey said contractors would work 24 hours a day on the first site to minimise disruption for road users and businesses in the area.
''This particular job should be finished by Friday,'' he said.
Paving would also be replaced in Cumberland St between Dundas and St David Sts, as well as between Duke and Great King Sts.
''Making this level of investment in paving on this key freight route will reduce our long-term maintenance costs on these sections of highway.
''Some of the surfaces at the sites are requiring increasing levels of maintenance to maintain acceptable levels of ride quality,'' Mr Bailey said.
Temporary road signs will be installed at the sites to warn motorists of work, which would affect parking on both sides of the highway in certain areas.
Temporary bus stops will be used while contractors work around permanent bus stops.
Mr Bailey said businesses in affected areas as well as emergency services, public transport companies and taxi firms had been notified about the work.
