The NZ Transport Agency advises motorists that both lanes of State Highway 36 (SH36) at Mangorewa Gorge are now open.
The section of SH36, which has been down to one lane following a slip during Easter weekend, reopened today at 4.45pm, the NZ Transport Agency’s Bay of Plenty highway manager Brett Gliddon said.
He said it was great news for motorists travelling between Tauranga and Rotorua.
“Our contractors have worked tirelessly at the site, first to get the road re-opened to single-lane access just days after the slip and then to clear away debris,” he said.
“During the clean-up of the initial slip our contractors identified three other areas of concern that could have led to more slips in the area.
“To maximise motorist safety we kept the road to one lane before bringing in trucks, diggers and even a helicopter to clear away tonnes of soft soil and vegetation from above the road last week.
“The final works to open the road have been finished earlier than expected and our thanks go to the contractor, Downer for this.
“The Transport Agency apologises for any inconvenience and thanks motorists for their patience while these important safety works were carried out.”
For real time information on highway conditions and incidents visit www.nzta.govt.nz(external link) call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or follow @nztawaibop on twitter.
For personalised information about driving conditions on their frequently used routes, motorists can check out and sign up to On The Move at www.onthemove.govt.nz(external link)
For more information please contact:
Natalie Dixon
Media Manager
Waikato and Bay of Plenty region
NZ Transport Agency
T: 07 928 7908
M: 021928413
E: natalie.dixon@nzta.govt.nz
The NZ Transport Agency works to create transport solutions for all New Zealanders - from helping new drivers earn their licences, to leading safety campaigns to investing in public transport, state highways and local roads.
