NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises that work will ramp up from next week to complete repairs across Coromandel’s state highway network, which was extensively damaged by last summer’s extreme weather events.
While the slip which closed SH25A was the most significant, there were another 50 major slip sites and damage caused by surface flooding at multiple locations, leaving the network in a fragile state, says Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Jo Wilton.
“With SH25A closed for most of last year, we carefully managed and prioritised our work on SH25 to minimise further disruption to peoples’ journeys around the peninsula.
“We also paused all but essential activity over the busy summer holiday travel period to minimise disruption and give Coromandel residents and visitors a break from recovery works.
Traffic data shows traffic volume on SH25A were at the usual summer peak of around 7300 a day over the holiday period.
“With the peak summer holiday period now over and SH25A open, motorists will see our contractors working at numerous sites around the peninsula.
“From mid-February stop/go traffic management will be in place at up to six locations around the peninsula, and by mid-March work will be underway at up to 10 locations, including on SH2 in the Karangahape Gorge.
“We understand this will mean disruption for road users and thank them for their patience.
“Coromandel’s highway network remains vulnerable because of the unstable natural environment, and exposed coastal areas. Repairing the remaining damaged sites as quickly as possible is essential for ensuring the resilience of the Coromandel.
“During 2023 we completed work at 32 sites along SH25/SH2. We also prioritised work on SH25A while it was closed clearing slips, replacing 23 culverts, fixed five major slips and undertaking crucial road maintenance along the rest of State Highway 25A to ensure the entire corridor is safe and more resilient.”
Work at the large Ruamahunga slip site continues and won’t be complete until later in 2024. From mid-February work will be underway at Te Kouma and Kereta on the Thames coast, Wharekaho and Pumpkin Hill. From mid-March work will also be underway at several sites between Hikuai and Waihi and on SH2 in the Karangahape Gorge.
As well as increasing the resilience of the network, the region will benefit from NZTA using local suppliers where possible.
