Work to upgrade the detour around the Maraenui Bluff slip on State Highway 35, 30 kilometres east of Opotiki is progressing well despite continuing rain, reports the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).
NZTA’s Bay of Plenty State Highway Manager Rod James says heavy vehicles have had access over the detour since Monday and the route is holding up well.
“This week’s rain has brought down a few small slips which slowed down progress, but contractors are working as hard as they can to get the detour ready for 24 hours a day access. All going well the road will be ready to be open full time next week, but we’ll confirm this on Friday,” says Mr James.
A 30km/h speed restriction remains on the steep and windy detour and extreme care is needed.
The NZTA thanks road users for their patience during this time and acknowledges the huge effort put in by contractors to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.
Updates can be found on the NZTA’s road condition website: www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/current-conditions/highway-info/(external link)
