The New Zealand Transport Agency is advising that all three southbound lanes of the Ngauranga Gorge in Wellington will remain closed until at least late this evening, as contractors work to clear a large slip and ensure the area is safe for traffic.
NZTA Regional Transport Systems Manager Mark Owen says the Fire Service will be on site this afternoon sluicing water on to the slip area to remove any loose material which could otherwise fall on to the road.
Geotechnical engineers are also on site assessing the area where the slip came down just after 12pm today.
Mr Owen says once the road is cleared, concrete barriers will be put in place at the slip site. It’s hoped at least one lane can be re-opened to morning traffic, but this will be subject to geotechnical safety advice.
“We know this is a huge disruption for people and our crews are working hard to get things back to normal as quickly as possible. In the meantime we’re asking people to plan ahead, make alternative travel arrangements to get in and out the city, or use State Highway 2 as an alternative.
Mr Owen says two of the three northbound lanes in the Ngauranga Gorge also remain closed this afternoon to allow contractors to access the slip site. It’s hoped that one northbound lane can be reopened in time for peak afternoon travel today.
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