Auckland's Lightpath cycleway will get its own special sunscreen application next month, to protect it from the elements and make its colour even more vibrant.
The magenta surface will be refreshed and UV protected as part of ongoing maintenance.
The work means the shared path will be closed to all users from 1to 9 March.
More fade-resistant
"This UV coating is marine grade and is used on cruise and container ships, so the paint surface will now live up to the harshest possible conditions and will be far more fade resistant," says Brett Gliddon, the NZ Transport Agency's Auckland Highway Manager.
"We're delighted with the popularity of the Lightpath and apologise for any inconvenience its closure will cause, but along with Auckland Transport and Auckland Council, we're committed to keeping it well maintained so that many more thousands of people can continue to enjoy it."
The estimated cost of the refresh and UV protection is $115,000, which will be funded through money previously set aside by Auckland Council from the City Centre Targeted Rate.
A dry-weather job
The UV coating will involve a base coat being painted on to the existing surface, which will look a little redder than the current surface. The final magenta top coat will then be applied to recreate the Lightpath's vibrant magenta colour.
The work can only be carried out during dry weather and so the closure dates may be shifted.
Very wet weather at the time the original surface was laid is believed to have caused some bonding issues with the existing surface, which is made of recycled glass, and this will be fixed during the maintenance work.
