Contractors are on track to clear this slip and reopen the road by 7 pm tonight.
Slip debris has been removed, and concrete barriers and a bund have been put in place to protect the road and drivers.
Update 26 May, 3:40 pm:
However, Acting System Manager Tresca Forrester says more work will be needed to make the slip face safer next week.
“We are monitoring the slip face over the weekend, but we want to have our crews on site again from next Wednesday, weather permitting, to carry out further work. More overhanging material needs to be removed, and we want to bench the slip face as well.”
“This will help make the site safer and reduce the number of times road crews will be needed to be called out in the future to remove rockfalls and slips,” Ms Forrester says.
This work will require a further full closure of the highway at this location. Ms Forrester says the aim is, if the weather allows it, to begin the work from 7 am next Wednesday morning (31 May), with the highway to be fully closed for up to 48 hours.
"The nature of the site and the road's narrowness means a full closure is necessary. It is unsafe to have traffic in the slip zone near heavy machinery while the work is underway. However, closing the road will let us complete the work much faster," Ms Forrester says.
Waka Kotahi appreciates the closure will create delays for drivers. However, the slip repairs must be completed as quickly as possible to make the highway safe for all road users. We want to thank drivers for their patience and understanding while this work is carried out.
Detour route:
For southbound vehicles, the detour is left off State Highway 6 onto Wai-iti Valley Road, right onto Stock Road, right onto Valley Road, right onto North Road, left back onto State Highway 6. The reverse applies for northbound drivers.
This detour is suitable for all vehicles but will result in longer journey times. Drivers should factor this into their travel plans.
Update 26 May, 9:10 am: State Highway 6 remains closed between Belgrove and Kohatu this morning. Work continues to assess the slip, clear debris, and reopen the road. However, the highway is expected to remain closed for most of today.
An update on the road’s status will be provided by 5pm.
Local road detours are in place and can be used by all vehicles. Drivers can expect longer travel times and should plan their trips accordingly.
25 May: State Highway 6 is being closed for safety reasons as contractors work to assess and clear a slip on the highway 6 south of Wakefield.
Tresca Forrester, Acting System Manager Top of the South, says the slip on the Spooners Range between Belgrove and Kohatu. The highway will be closed between these locations from 5.30 tonight.
“Some material fell earlier today, and there is a danger that more material may come down. This poses a real risk to drivers – particularly at night. So, to make sure everyone is kept safe, the highway must be closed.”
Spooners Range slip, State Highway 6
Ms Forrester says the slip face will need a geotechnical investigation.
"It's essential we know just how stable or unstable this slip is. We can't take any chances with a wet weather forecast for early next week. The highway will remain closed while the slip is assessed and debris cleared."
The closure will be in place overnight and for much of tomorrow. The highway's status will be updated late tomorrow afternoon.
The detour for southbound road users is left off State Highway 6 onto Wai-iti Valley Road, right onto Stock Road, right onto Valley Road, right onto North Road, left back onto State Highway 6. The reverse for northbound road users. This detour is suitable for all vehicles but will result in longer journey times. Drivers should factor this into their travel plans.
Waka Kotahi wants to thank drivers for their cooperation during this closure. Contractors are making every effort to reopen the road as quickly as possible.
