Work on a new slow vehicle bay on State Highway 2 south of Raupunga in northern Hawke’s Bay is progressing well, with tree felling completed earlier this month.
The new slow vehicle bay will be located immediately south of the Mohaka rail viaduct. Once southbound slow-moving vehicles pass under the viaduct, they will be able to pull into the slow vehicle bay to allow other traffic to pass.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Senior Project Manager Richard Bayley says the wood from the felled trees will soon be delivered to the local community, where it will help warm homes next winter.
“Now the tree felling is complete, contractors will begin excavating approximately 39,000m3 of steep hillside to make room for the new slow vehicle bay.
“A karakia/blessing, led by Ngāti Pāhauwera, was held on site on Monday (13 September), before we began earthworks. We have worked closely with Ngāti Pāhauwera throughout the project to ensure tikanga and cultural values are observed, and we appreciate their support.”
Waka Kotahi thanks motorists for their patience while we undertake this important upgrade to make SH2 in northern Hawke’s Bay safer.
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Rick Gardner (Fulton Hogan), Kuki Green (Ngāti Pāhauwera) and Kathryn Gale (Ngāti Pāhauwera) at the blessing on Monday 13 September in front of some of the firewood that will be delivered to the local community, where it will help keep homes warm next winter.
