A section of State Highway 43 between Stratford and Taumarunui has closed to traffic following a slip this afternoon.
The slip has occurred where crews have been carrying out drilling to build a retaining wall in the gorge as part of the sealing project through Tangarākau Gorge.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has taken the decision to close the road through the Tangarākau Gorge to ensure the safety of all road users and crews while the area is assessed and the slip backfilled.
Through traffic should turn around at Moki and Heao Roads.
At this stage, NZTA expects to complete this work and reopen the road by 3pm Friday 22 March.
“We want to apologise for the inconvenience caused and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation while this vital work is carried out. We will provide a further update on the progress of work around midday tomorrow (Thursday),” says Regional Manager for Infrastructure Delivery, Rob Partridge.
Road closures have been in place through the gorge Monday to Friday between 9am – 12pm and 1pm - 3pm for sealing and retaining wall works since January.
For further information:
SH43 Forgotten World Highway
Map showing the closure points on SH43.
