In 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle caused significant damage to the state highway network with many connections severed.
TREC’s immediate focus has been on recovery work; opening roads to two lanes and maintaining them so they are safe to travel on. This work is progressing well to deliver fast results for communities. Our work is progressing well to deliver fast results for communities. This recovery work is fully funded, and our crews are working hard to make it happen.
We’re also taking a strategic look at the network to investigate routes and projects and develop options for resilience and rebuild projects. This resilience work is subject to NZTA Board approval and Crown funding.
The focus right now is on regionally significant routes which connect large population centres, emergency supplies and freight. We’re also investigating how we address resilience on the SH35, SH38, SH50 and SH51 corridors.
Resilience projects are longer-term fixes that will help protect the transport network and keep communities connected now, and in the future. The changes we’re looking at will contribute to a national transport network that will be more resilient to the impacts of climate change and other natural hazards.
Have your say on SH2/SH5 Eskdale, SH2 Devil’s Elbow and SH35 Mangahauini Gorge
Between 18 March and 16 April 2024, we’re asking for your insights on the three potential project areas - SH2/SH5 Eskdale, SH2 Devil’s Elbow and SH35 Mangahauini Gorge. You can attend one of our drop-in events in your region or have your say online.
State Highway 2
State Highway 2 (SH2) between Ōpōtiki and Ahuriri/Napier is the busiest road in the region and a lifeline route for the East Coast providing connections for communities, freight, business and tourism. It is critical to ensure SH2 is a secure, reliable and safe transport route.
Potential SH2 corridor improvements [PDF, 6.9 MB]
Scale of damage
Around 400 sites along SH2 have been damaged by severe weather events. If they deteriorate further, ongoing disruption (road closures, delays) could further impact people’s lives and the regional economy.
Recovery work along SH2, including slip repairs and drainage works is well underway. This will address some of the sites - but around 250 sites require more resilient fixes and rebuilding.
Rebuilding SH2
Our initial focus is on the highest risk and the straightforward sites. We will seek initial Crown funding for 116 of the highest risk sites and aim to deliver these rebuild works over the next 5 years
The SH2 Corridor Rebuild is focused on creating a more reliable route with reduced disruption. Initial investment will address the highest risk sites first and will target changes that will help avoid full closures, so the road can reopen quicker after weather events.
Future investment in SH2 will focus on changes that will reduce the risk of lane or shoulder closures.
SH2 Waikare Gorge
A realignment of SH2 and a new bridge over Waikare Gorge is currently progressing through consents and approval stages.
SH2 Waikare Gorge safety realignment
SH2 Waioeka Gorge
Waioeka Gorge has a history of closures caused by natural events including slips, rockfall and flooding. SH2 through the gorge is particularly vulnerable to weather events and investment is needed to minimise the risk of future delays and closures.
Funding is being sought to respond to 48 of the highest risk sites within the gorge to be delivered by TREC over the next five years. Interventions include rockfall and slip management and erosion protection.
State Highway 5
State Highway 5 (SH5) is a lifeline between Hawke’s Bay and the central North Island and a key connector for communities, freight, businesses and tourism. It is critical to ensure SH5 is a strong, reliable and safe transport route.
Potential SH5 corridor improvements [PDF, 3.9 MB]
Scale of damage
Over 50 sites along SH5 have been damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle. If they deteriorate further, ongoing disruption (road closures, delays) could further impact people’s lives and the regional economy.
Recovery work including slip repairs and drainage works is well underway, addressing many sites, however over 17 sites need more resilient fixes and rebuild funding.
A resilient solution for the Eskdale area is being progressed as a separate project.
Rebuilding SH5
Our focus is on the most critical and the straightforward sites that will immediately make a real difference. We are seeking initial Crown funding for 17 of the highest risk sites, with rebuild work delivered over the next three years.
The SH5 Corridor Rebuild is focused on creating a reliable route with significantly reduced disruption. By improving the highest risk sites first, we can avoid future full closures and the road can reopen quicker after extreme weather events.
Rebuild works include additional slip repairs, rockfall management, stormwater and drainage upgrades, erosion protection, flood management, revegetation and construction of retaining walls at specific sites.
We are also looking at new signs, tree management, culvert and bridge upgrades and improved digital communication. There is an opportunity to deliver four additional safety projects in parallel with resilience works, subject to funding.
