Strong winds have impacted the capacity to safely complete work to stabilise the Kaituna riverbank alongside the Te Puke Highway and extra time is needed to complete the job
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery, Jo Wilton, says while the team has made significant progress, getting the sizeable crane into position safely and some very windy conditions have affected the programme.
“Well over 50 percent of the sheet piles are in place, however we need a bit more time to complete the retaining wall. The weather slowed things down this week as the crane can’t operate in high winds. The 20 metre steel sheet piles act like a big sail, and that’s not safe for anyone.
“Work is back underway now and the team are focussed on completing the sheeting piling in the shortest time possible”.
We appreciate the stop/go is causing delays and the team are actively monitoring the queue lengths during the peak morning and evening peak travel periods.
The alternative route is the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road and we have extended the toll waivers until Friday 10 June.
The toll-free periods are Monday to Friday:
We appreciate this will cause some disruption. Thank you for your ongoing patience while we complete this vital work.
