NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises that State Highway 29A is closed between Barkes Corner and and Oropi Road Roundabout in Tauranga for emergency road repairs.
“Our maintenance team noticed a small hole yesterday (9 Feb) in the left hand lane heading from Barkes Corner to Oropi Roundabout and immediately closed one lane. On investigation a large tomo or cavity was discovered under the road,” says Acting Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations, Roger Brady.
“The hole is approximately 3 metres deep and filled with water. The erosion appears to have been caused over time by a failed stormwater drain.
“As soon as we saw the size of the tomo we fully closed the road due to the potential safety risk to road users.
“SH29A is likely to remain closed here until Monday evening at the earliest, but until investigations reveal the extent of the repair, the timeframe for re-opening is really unknown at this stage.
“Once we have more information about the size of this job, we’ll update the public.”
Road users should allow extra time for the detour.
The detour for southbound traffic is left onto Cameron Road, right onto Maleme Street, right onto Oropi Road, left onto SH29A. Northbound traffic turn right onto Oropi Road, left onto Maleme Street, left onto Cameron Road and right onto SH29A.
Keep an eye on journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link) for up to date information about road works and closures.
