Roading crews will be out at a number of sites around both Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti this week, as work continues to restore more access for communities
In Hawke’s Bay, the focus remains on SH5 Napier – Taupō, and continuing to push further north on SH2 between Napier and Wairoa.
Contractors are continuing to work on the SH5 bypass created for emergency services and residents following the slip between Te Pohue and Glengarry.
“The current priority for this access is emergency vehicles, and residents. We know how vital this link is and so getting access reinstated remains one of our absolute top priorities. The road remains closed to other road users at this stage,” says Waka Kotahi Central North Island Regional Manager for Maintenance and Operations, Jaclyn Hankin.
“Crews will be spending this week ensuring the safety of the bypass for road users. Crews will also be taking the chance to carry out any further works required on the road, including a focus on clearing a second lane on Marshalls Bridge, just west of Eskdale.
On SH2, north to Wairoa, crews have managed to clear one lane through to Tutira. This area is still very dangerous and remains closed to all vehicles. Geotechnical engineers are assessing the stability of surrounding ground above and below the state highway before opening to residents and emergency vehicles. The focus this week will be to continue to push north. There is a Geotechnical assessment scheduled for the Tongoio to Wairoa stretch of road. Despite a lane being cleared to Tutira, a number of high risk locations have been identified and securing those will also be a focus for contractors this week.
Contractors will continue to work on securing SH2 Gisborne to Ōpōtiki which remains open to one lane, following another slip last week.
This stretch of road, between Puha and Matawai will be closed 9pm until 4am from today (Sunday 5 March), in order to ensure the safety of road users.
This section of SH2 remains unstable and prone to further slips. With more strong winds and rain forecast to affect the area, and the possibility of falling trees or slips coming down, Waka Kotahi will close the road overnight until further notice to ensure the safety of motorists.
SH38 between Wairoa and Lake Waikaremoana remains closed but crews remain on the road this week closely assessing it and clearing slips.
“Safety for all road users and contractors is a priority and this stretch of road has suffered quite a bit of damage, with numerous slips making the area hazardous.
“We want to be able to open this road safely as quickly as possible and are confident we’ll be able to do so before the end of March,” says Ms Hankin.
A stretch of SH35 between Te Puia Springs and Tolaga Bay remains closed, but the alternative Gisborne District Council road Ihungia-Mata Loop Road between Te Puia Springs and Tokomaru Bay is now open and will continue to be available at set times and days for 4WD vehicles only and smaller supply trucks.
“Our contractors, engineers and assessors have all worked hard to make some really good progress in both regions, such as Friday’s reopening to two lanes of Waitangi Bridge on SH51 between Napier and Hastings.
“We know there’s more to be done and for us, every section of the state highway network is as important as the next, and so we will continue to work as hard as we can to safely restore access across the network, be it for emergency services only, freight, residents only and ultimately for all road users.”
“Please be aware, the network has suffered significant damage and so even the open and accessible highways may be operating at reduced speeds. It’s important to expect delays if you’re travelling and to continue to be patient and understanding of the situation,” says Ms Hankin.
