Streets to be monitored to stop 'unacceptable' tar-bleed repeat

Two Arrowtown streets will be monitored daily by Queenstown Lakes District Council staff to prevent a repeat of last summer's "completely unacceptable" bleeding tar.

Project manager Ken Gousmett said the surfaces of Adamson Dr and Centennial Ave - both of which suffered tar bleeding of the chip seal coats applied last summer - had been put on a "watching brief".

"Unfortunately, the seal coincided with a particularly hot period, with temperatures reaching 32degC and considerably more at the road surface."

The issue caused headaches for residents, tar getting on cars, bikes, shoes and even pets and being tracked indoors at times.

"It was completely unacceptable at the time.

"Our response was to cover the seal with gravel, which helped alleviate the worst effects.

"The problem had largely stopped by the new year," Mr Gousmett said.

The council had since worked to prevent the problem from recurring. It was discovered the road structure was fine and the issue was with the first seal coating.

While a road would normally have two seal coats applied, a year apart, it had been decided to apply the second, lighter seal coat later in February-March, when the weather was cooler.

"At this stage we are not seeing any more problems with bleeding and that issue may have been resolved, but we're not going to take any chances."

The existing seal would be inspected on a daily basis on all hot, dry days and mitigation work would be carried out at short notice if bleeding occurred.

"We would also be really pleased if the community could let us know if they have any concerns," Mr Gousmett said.