Early work begins next Monday (9 December) at the site of a major underslip on State Highway 35 at Kopuaroa, north of Tokomaru Bay.
Next week’s work will involve moving the guard rail from the edge-line to the centre-line, and setting up the site, ahead of repair work on the underslip beginning in January 2025.
This section of state highway has been down to one lane with traffic lights since Cyclone Gabrielle and will remain as one lane for the remainder of the project.
Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) alliance crews, on behalf of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, expect to finish the repair work in May 2025 and return this section of SH35 back to two lanes.
The slip repair will involve inserting soil nails into the rockface, constructing a shotcrete wall and reinstating the road shoulder.
This site at Kopuaroa is one of a number on SH35 between Ruatoria and Te Puia Springs underway before Christmas.
These include Kahuitara (Jeru) Culvert, Makarika Valley #3, Kopuaroa Stream Bridge and Kopuaroa underslip. While Kahuitara Culvert and Makarika Valley #3 are expected to finish before Christmas, both Kopuaroa sites will continue into the New Year as well as a third Kopuaroa site planned to get underway in mid-January.
Sites will either be under stop/go traffic management or have traffic lights. It’s important to respect temporary speed restrictions and follow the instructions from crews onsite, to keep road users, communities and roading crews safe.
This summer roadworkers are out across the country making improvements. Expect delays and allow extra time before you travel. Road workers are out in all weather and do their best to keep everyone moving. Be tolerant and respectful of all crew members and follow any instructions on site. They’re helping to keep you safe.
NZTA and TREC advises road users to plan their journeys and expect delays while we continue to boost the resilience and safety of SH35 and ultimately efficiency for communities and road users.
