Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises that State Highway 23 (SH23) will close to all traffic overnight from 7pm due to the severity of cracking and slumping on the highway west of Glentui Lane.
“We have been doing everything we can to keep this road open but a geotechnical inspection late this afternoon has confirmed the risk to the travelling public has increased,” says Cara Lauder, Waka Kotahi System Manager for the Waikato.
“Despite our best efforts to keep water out of the cracks, the fissures are growing. To keep the public safe, Waka Kotahi will close SH23 at Glentui from 7pm to 7am tonight and re-assess first thing tomorrow morning,” Ms Lauder says.
Under traffic management today, contractors moved the live lane further away from the problem area.
“As well as applying cold mix asphalt to the cracks, an asphalt bund was added to direct road water flow away in an effort to prevent further damage, however it hasn't been enough to stop it getting worse.
“We understand how important the highway is to locals in Raglan, but our priority must be to act as quickly as necessary to keep everyone safe,” Ms Lauder says.
The detour route is as follows: Ohautira Road, Waingaro Road, Herschel Street, Ellery Street, Whatawhata Avenue, Ngaruawahia Road, Horotiu Road to re-join SH23.
Caution is advised on the detours as they are tight, winding roads.
Check social media and the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner (external link) and Waka Kotahi will provide another update in the morning.
