Work continues at Waioeka Gorge, between Opotiki and Gisborne, to fully reinstate State Highway 2 with considerable progress being made in extending the road around the slip area.
NZTA Bay of Plenty state highways manager Brett Gliddon says the construction crews have been working hard, and up to six days a week, to get the highway open to two temporary lanes by Christmas. Work to fully reinstate the highway is expected to be completed by mid 2013.
“With Christmas and New Year holidays coming up the volume of traffic increases as people head on their summer holidays and we are working towards getting the road opened to two lanes to accommodate the higher volumes of vehicles.”
Construction activity will close down for the festive season from 22 December 2012 and will start up again on 7 January 2013. However during this period drivers planning to travel through the Waioeka Gorge are advised that a 30km/h speed restriction will be in place, and therefore they should allow for delays by leaving earlier.
Drivers planning to attend summer festivals, including the Rhythm and Vines Festival in Gisborne, should visit the www.safeteendriver.co.nz/festivalmap/(external link) which outlines where the construction areas are and where to expect lower speed limits.
“We want everyone to reach their desired destination safely and we’re encouraging drivers to plan their journeys and check the latest highway conditions by going to www.nzta.govt.nz(external link) or call 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 4 4449) before setting off for their travels.”
