UPDATE: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency engineers completed further investigations underneath the New Plymouth-bound lane of State Highway 45 between Omata and Oakura (near the Tapuwae Stream) on Tuesday. These detailed investigations have confirmed there is no risk to the highway. Further testing in the Oakura-bound lane will continue today as a precautionary measure, to complete testing at the site.
Contractors and engineers are planning to complete remedial works to return SH45 to two lanes before the end of March.
Waka Kotahi thanks the travelling public for their ongoing patience and understanding.
15 March 2021: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises a detailed underground survey will be undertaken on State Highway 45 between Omata and Oakura (near the Tapuwae Stream) on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 March.
This area has been under a single lane closure following the discovery of a void (or cavity) beneath the New Plymouth-bound lane earlier this month. Testing undertaken to date has not provided sufficient information to determine the size or cause of the void.
The detailed underground survey will involve drilling down into the embankment from road level to try and determine the cause and size of the void and whether there are issues further below SH45 at this location.
Motorists are advised to plan for 2-5 minute delays.
To ensure the safety of everyone using the road, The New Plymouth-bound lane will remain closed until a repair can be undertaken. The Oakura-bound lane has also been tested. It is on solid material and is safe for the public.
Our contractors are working hard to identify and undertake a fix for this situation as soon as possible.
Waka Kotahi thanks motorists for their patience while we undertake this important work.
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