The NZ Transport Agency will start repair work this week (10 June) on a section of SH12 through the Waipoua Forest which has slipped into the river below.
The highway has been reduced to one lane since October last year, when heavy rain in the area caused part of the road to fall away.
The repair work south of Look Out Road is expected to last until the end of June depending on weather conditions.
The Transport Agency’s Northland Journey Manager Jacqui Hori-Hoult says the work is vital in completing the long term stabilisation of this section of highway. It follows extensive work with local and national authorities to prevent any risk to the surrounding kauri trees and protect the sensitive nature of the Waipoua Forest.
“Most of the repairs will be carried out off the carriageway. A digger will be brought on site to enable us to strengthen the ground conditions. Once the digger is in place we will be delivering rocks and these will be used to build the road back up.
It’s likely one lane will remain closed throughout construction. Traffic will be managed through a stop / go system and the Transport Agency will be monitoring traffic to minimise queuing.
Alternative routes are available via SH1/SH12.
The NZ Transport Agency apologises in advance for any inconvenience and thanks motorists you for their patience whilst we carry out this work over winter. Please drive to the conditions and keep to the speed limit throughout this construction site so we can keep our workers safe.
For the latest information on what is happening on the state highways: phone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or visit the website: www.highwayinfo.govt.nz(external link)
