22 July update: Site testing is planned for State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill this week to determine the best solution to repair an underslip located on the Riwaka side of the Hill.
The slip, located approximately one kilometre uphill from the Riwaka Valley Road intersection, occurred following wet weather late last month.
Drone shot of underslip site, SH60 Tākaka Hill
Engineers and machinery will be onsite while the testing is completed. To ensure their safety, motorists travelling over the Tākaka Hill must take care and obey the temporary 30 km/h speed limit at the slip site.
It remains under stop/go traffic lights 24/7, and road users can expect delays of up to 10 minutes. Bollards are also in place to keep traffic clear of the underslip to ensure drivers are kept safe.
A drone survey of the underslip was completed last week, and repair work is anticipated to begin in the next four weeks.
Road users are urged to plan for delays when travelling over State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill following an underslip on the route last week.
The underslip is located on the Riwaka side of the Hill, approximately one kilometre uphill from the Riwaka Valley Road intersection. Following recent wet weather, a large amount of earth on the roadside has slipped away.
SH60 Tākaka Hill underslip site.
Rob Service, System Manager Top of the South says temporary traffic management is in place to move vehicles away from the underslip, to ensure drivers are kept safe.
“The affected road section is down to a single lane, under stop/go traffic lights 24/7 and a 30 km/h temporary speed limit. Bollards have also been installed to keep traffic clear of the underslip.”
Drivers can expect delays of up to 10 minutes, so should allow extra time for their trips when travelling over the Tākaka Hill.
Mr Service says an initial geotechnical assessment was carried out late last week.
“A more detailed geotechnical inspection will be completed as soon as possible to identify the appropriate solution for this site.”
“It’s important to acknowledge work to repair slips on State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill following Cyclone Gita is holding up well. This section of highway is not one that has required attention in the past,” he says.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi appreciates the delays caused by the controls in place at the slip site will be frustrating for drivers. The public’s patience and cooperation are appreciated while work at this site is ongoing.
