The NZ Transport Agency would like to advise that monitoring of the Hospital Hill section of SH43 has identified a series of cracks and slumping on the middle section of the road.
Acting Systems Manager Mark Owen says we are aware of the cracks and slumping and our geotechnical engineers have examined the site over the past few days to assess the safety of the road and determine the best course of action for long term repairs.
“Our contractors will be completing temporary repair work immediately this week to seal and repair the cracks that have surfaced, and Hospital Hill will remain open to all traffic including heavy vehicles, pedestrians and mobility scooters while these repairs are completed.”
“During this time we will make every effort to minimise disruptions to the community however there will be some minor traffic restrictions in place and ask those motorists travelling through the site to be patient and follow the temporary speed restrictions,” says Mr Owen.
Along with the geotechnical engineers’ assessment, the detailed design of a retaining wall to address the underlying issue over the longer term is also currently underway. This work is expected to be completed over this coming summer (2019/20).
The site will continue to be monitored daily for any further deterioration.
In the event that the Hospital Hill road needs to close, traffic will be diverted to use the bypass route via SH4 / Hekeawai Drive and Te Peka Street that was upgraded by the NZ Transport Agency last year.
Ruapehu Civil Defence and its partner response agencies, including the Waikato District Health Board, have contingency plans in place should this occur.
For more information or to provide feedback on SH43 Hospital Hill please contact the NZ Transport Agency via their website www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/feedback-or-comments(external link) or by calling 0800 44 44 49.
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