Urgent work is underway to clear mud from a stretch of State Highway 2 between Gisborne and Wharerata which is due for resurfacing next week.
Crews working on the stretch of state highway south of the Wharerata lookout have been working to prepare the road for new asphalt.
However heavy and persistent rainfall over the weekend has covered the worksite in mud.
Roading crews are now working to clear the road of mud before lime is added to help dry the road surface.
Waka Kotahi Hawke’s Bay / Tairāwhiti System Manager Martin Colditz says aggregate can then be added to the road before the long weekend.
“The area will receive foam bitumen treatment from next Tuesday before it is sealed with asphalt.
“It’s really important we can get this section of road cleared before the long weekend, and prepped for next week’s work.
“While this work is carried out over the coming days, we’re asking drivers to follow the lower speed restrictions and drive to the conditions. “A construction crew will also be onsite over the weekend to respond to any urgent need for works.
“The safety of all road users and our crews working on the road is paramount and if conditions change, we may need to close the road at short notice to complete the work. Please keep checking the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner for up to date changes.”
