State Highway 35 at Maraenui Hill is to be closed from tonight (25 August) until further notice due to significant slip damage to the road.
State Highway 35 at Maraenui Hill is to be closed from tonight (25 August) until further notice due to significant slip damage to the road.
Kevin Reid, NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) acting state highway manager, said geotechnical experts are assessing the site and working with the NZTA to develop the best solutions to remedy the slip damage both for the immediate future and to develop a suitable long term solution.
The length of road affected by this slip is in the same location as an area of slip damage repaired two years ago, however this slip extends over a longer distance.
“The slip is a result of the recent heavy rain, more rain is forecast overnight and the risk of further slips undermining the road is too great to keep it open. The road will be closed at this location from 6.30pm tonight,” he said.
The only detour currently available to road users is SH2 via Gisborne. The NZTA is working to make available a shorter detour for light vehicles using an unsealed forestry road but is unable to give any details about when this will be ready.
The NZTA understands the importance of this route and work to stabilise the site and allow the road to reopen will be undertaken as quickly as possible. We are unable to give a timeframe for the road to be open again at this stage, this will largely depend on the weather, Mr Reid said.
“Once we have the road stabilised, and open with single lane access it is likely to be some time until a permenant solution is put in place, the NZTA thanks motorists for their patience at this time,” he said.
Once the geotechnical survey has been completed a further release will be issued.
