Further access has been restored to the Coromandel, with truck and trailers now able to drive the entire length of State Highway 25.
“While the clean up and repair work continues, this is a significant milestone in our efforts to re-open crucial transport lifelines and help the Coromandel back onto its feet,” says Cara Lauder, System Manager Waikato for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
“We are a long way from business as usual but getting SH25 useable again for heavier vehicles will help ensure supplies get through and people needing to tow trailers can move around the peninsula again.
“The remedial work is ongoing on many sections of SH25 and SH2 through the Karangahake Gorge. And with longer term recovery works such as underslip repairs ahead, Coromandel road users should be prepared for disrupted travel for some time.
“It’s important everyone is aware that there are still small slips, fallen vegetation and slippery surface areas. Driving conditions remain very challenging in many places, with lane restrictions, temporary speed limits and stop-go or other temporary traffic management in place,” Ms Lauder says.
SH25 Thames to Coromandel
Some one lane areas remain on the Thames Coast where slip material and large tree trunks await removal.
Narrow road width between Kereta Hill / Manaia lookout and the Manaia township.
Narrow road width south of the Te Kouma Road intersection with SH25.
SH25 Te Rerenga to Whitianga
Some one lane areas remain where slip material and large tree trunks await removal.
SH25 Whitianga to Tairua
Down to one lane adjacent to the Peninsula Aggregates Quarry between Whenuakite and Tairua where the stream has undermined the bank adjacent to the road carriageway.
There’s an underslip north of Tairua on Pumpkin Hill.
SH25 Whiritoa to Waihi
There’s an underslip approx. 2.5km south of Whiritoa Beach Road.
When a National State of Emergency was declared on Tuesday morning, more than 30 sections of state highway in the North Island were completely closed to traffic.
By Wednesday evening (15 February) in the Coromandel, Waka Kotahi contractors had re-opened the road for essential travel from Thames to Matarangi around the east coast and State Highway 2 Paeroa and Waihi through the Karangahake Gorge.
By early evening Thursday 16 Feb, State Highway 25 was open for essential travel around the entire perimeter of the peninsula, restoring access to remaining isolated communities.
“We understand just how devastating this summer’s storm events have been for locals, visitors and businesses in the Coromandel. The peninsula has endured five major storms this summer including a three week-long state of emergency in the district. We thank everyone for their patience as our contractors continue this huge job,” Ms Lauder says.
The Waka Kotahi Journey Planner has the most up to date information on Coromandel highways – where they are open, where they are compromised or fully closed (in the case of SH25A).
Journey Planner(external link)
Journey Planner is updated 24/7 by Waka Kotahi traffic operations centres, and is the best source of the most recent and reliable information available on state highway disruptions. It is only updated if the information changes.
