The NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists that it has kicked off work to protect State Highway 1 just north of Taihape from an under-road slip.
Regional highways manager David McGonigal says the Transport Agency has started work constructing a retaining wall alongside State Highway 1 just north of the Paengaroa Road intersection. Subsidence on the embankment beneath the road has caused the road to partially collapse, but a retaining wall will help to prevent further subsidence and enable the road to be fully restored.
“The subsidence is happening slowly, but it’s important that we get cracking now while the weather is still on our side. That way it’ll be done and dusted, and we’ll have a sturdy highway all set to face the worst of winter.
“We know that the work will create some holdups, but these delays will be minor compared to the long detour that motorists would have to take if the road was forced to closed for a while.
“We’re working to stay one step ahead of Mother Nature, and keep the road resilient well into the future.
“We’re really grateful to motorists for their patience, and we urge everyone to drive slowly through the site because we want to look after the workers who are slogging away to keep the road safe and open.”
Mr McGonigal says Higgins will be carrying out the work.
“The team at Higgins were instrumental in getting the Manawatu Gorge reopened, so we’re in very experienced hands.”
The work is being carried out until 17 April and from 28 April to mid-June. Mr McGonigal says the work is being planned to keep the impact on Easter holidaymakers to a bare minimum.
He says the road will be restricted to a single lane with traffic lights and a 30km/h speed restriction during the day with two lane 50km speed limit at night.
There will be no works on road during the Easter break from 18 April to 27 April but a speed restriction will remain in force for safety reasons.
From late April to June, the road will be restricted to a single lane with traffic lights and a 30km speed restriction 24/7.
For updates on state highway conditions and hazards: Freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or www.highwayinfo.govt.nz(external link).
Get free email alerts on a specific route by signing up to www.onthemove.govt.nz(external link).
For more information please contact:
Anthony Frith
Media Manager – Central
NZ Transport Agency
T: 04 894 5251
M: 027 213 7617
E: anthony.frith@nzta.govt.nz
