The NZ Transport Agency advises that State Highway 36 between Tauranga and Rotorua will remain closed until at least the 14th of September following the major rock fall in the Mangorewa/Kaharoa Gorge earlier this month.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) advises that State Highway 36 between Tauranga and Rotorua will remain closed until at least the 14th of September following the major rock fall in the Mangorewa/Kaharoa Gorge earlier this month.
Since the August 6 rock fall contractors have been working long hours to secure the area and protect the highway from further falls. Work has also continued on the bridge replacements and retaining walls.
Kaye Clark, NZTA State Highways Manager for Waikato and Bay of Plenty, says the target date for reopening the highway is Monday the 14th of September but this date will not be able to be 100% confirmed until safety works are completed.
Mrs Clark says, “We’re committed to re-opening the road as soon as we can, but the safety of road users is our top priority and we need to be sure that the situation is as safe as possible before doing so. We also need to look after the safety of our contractors as they carry out this highly specialised work.”
Mrs Clark says when SH36 reopens it will operate for up to four weeks with the same restricted hours that were in place before the rock fall, with weekday closures between 9am and 4pm. After that the highway will be opened at all times, with traffic reduced to one lane through the construction site.
Investigations into the cause of the rock fall are continuing, including a detailed geological examination of the site. Draft reports are expected to be completed within the next week.
For more information please contact:
Julie Hannam
Regional Communications Advisor
NZ Transport Agency
DDI: 07 958 7238
Email: julie.hannam@nzta.govt.nz
