Summer maintenance work across two major State Highways -- in a bid to get roads up to scratch before the Christmas rush

Chip-sealing on the South Island's State Highway 60 Takaka Hill begins today, with closures in place 9am to 3pm all week.

The road will be re-opened every 90 minutes to let through traffic.

In the North Island, contractors are working around the clock to complete the Ngaruawahia section of the Waikato Expressway before Christmas.

It's shut between Taupiri and Lake Road until midday Friday.