Testing to determine the best repair solution for a slip caused by heavy rain last weekend on State Highway 4 will close the highway for short periods next Tuesday, just south of Mapiu between Te Kuiti and Taumarunui.
Testing to determine the best repair solution for a slip caused by heavy rain last weekend on State Highway 4 will close the highway for short periods next Tuesday, just south of Mapiu between Te Kuiti and Taumarunui.
A major slip last weekend affected a 150 metre section of SH4, approximately 4 km south of Mapiu, and 80 metres of the southbound lane was lost. The highway is currently reduced to one lane through the slip site and will be controlled with traffic lights until further notice.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will be closing the slip-affected section of SH4, for 20 minute stretches on Tuesday 12 August between 11am and 3pm. Travel delays of up to 20 minutes are expected.
NZTA Regional Manager, Kaye Clark, says the series of closures on Tuesday will enable geotechnical testing to be carried out on the remaining lane, which will help identify possible solutions to widen the road. A suitable safe detour is not available, leaving NZTA no option but to close the highway for short periods.
Mrs Clark says, “The slip damage is extensive and we expect this section of SH4 to be reduced to a single lane for several months.”
Contact information:
Gerhard van Blerk
Area Engineer
Telephone: 07 903 5125
Mobile: 027 297 5286
gerhard.vanblerk@nzta.govt.nz
Julie Hannam
Regional Communications Advisor
Telephone: 07 903 5146
Mobile: 027 294 2649
Email: julie.hannam@nzta.govt.nz
