A section of State Highway 30 in the South Waikato, approximately 6 kilometres east of the Whakamaru Dam, will be closed for one hour stretches from 26 April for approximately two weeks.
The closures will enable blasting to be carried out to remove loose rocks from the cliffs near Ongaroto Road. Weather permitting the highway will be closed each working day from Monday 26 April to Saturday 8 May during the following times: 11am to 12 noon, 1pm to 2pm and 3pm to 4pm.
NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Waikato State Highway Manager, Kaye Clark says the closures will enable the rock blasting to be carried out as safety and quickly as possible.
Mrs Clark says, “Rock blasting is the best way to remove these loose rocks, which left alone could pose a risk to passing vehicles. This type of work is carried out approximately every five years at the Ongaroto Road cliffs to protect this section of SH30 from rock falls.”
Motorists are advised to avoid travelling on this section of SH30 during the closure times or to take an alternative route, via SH1 and SH32.
The NZTA thanks motorists for their patience and cooperation during these works.