The NZ Transport Agency says State Highway 3 between Mahoenui and Pio Pio is now open to a single lane with manual stop/go traffic control in place, following a tragic accident yesterday.
The Transport Agency notes that the single lane operation is expected to change to signalised traffic lights later in the day to manage travellers through the site.
A concrete barrier has been installed to provide protection for road users through this location. The Transport Agency had specialist geotechnical assessors on-site yesterday to assess the state of the rockface, any loose material identified was removed by rock scaling to ensure the rockface is stabilised to allow the road to be safely reopened to a single lane.
The concrete barrier and on-going daily monitoring will be in place until the Transport Agency is confident the road is safe to be reopened to two lanes.
Speed restrictions will be in place to ensure the safety of all motorists, drivers are asked to take extra care when travelling through this section of SH3.
The NZ Transport Agency says it appreciates these works may cause some inconvenience and thanks motorists for their patience.
For up-to-date state highway travel information visit www.highwayinfo.govt.nz (external link)or phone the Transport Agency's 0800 4 HIGHWAYS information line to get the latest updates or to report incidents or hazards on the state highways. Alternatively you can sign-up via www.onthemove.govt.nz(external link) to receive free email alerts designed to inform you before you start your journey about notable incidents, road conditions or roadworks on the state highway network.
For more information please contact:
Glenda Dobbyn
Media Manager
Waikato and Bay of Plenty region
T: 07 928 7908
M: 021 021 67217
E: glenda.dobbyn@nzta.govt.nz
