Work to restore Eureka Bend on SH60 Takaka Hill will begin after Waitangi Weekend bringing the highway back to its full two-lane capacity by the middle of this year.
Work to restore Eureka Bend on SH60's Takaka Hill will begin after Waitangi Weekend bringing the highway back to its full two-lane capacity by the middle of this year.
The road was reduced to one lane following a major slip two years ago when NZTA installed a temporary Bailey Bridge (a versatile kit-form bridge system which is quick to erect and dismantle).
NZTA Wellington Regional Director Dr Deborah Hume says that while the Bailey Bridge was a good short-term solution, it was always NZTA's intention to reinstate the road with a long-term solution to address the landslide.
"We appreciate the patience and understanding of the highway users over Takaka Hill as they have waited for the road to be brought back to two lanes. That day is nearly there and we ask for your continued patience while we work on the highway."
Dr Hume says the final design will include removal of any unstable earth on the Takaka Hill where the slip occurred and reinforcement of the remaining hillside using a special slope stabilisation technique, called mechanically stabilised earth.
Every effort will be made to minimise any inconvenience to road users and the local community. Temporary traffic signals and manual traffic control will be in use to manage traffic flows and there could be some delays at specific times during construction.
"However, I'm told that we will provide information about any potential impact to traffic in advance so highway travellers can plan their journeys to accommodate the road works," she says.
"Please bear with us as the end result will be worth the wait."
For more information please contact:
Andree Kai Fong
Communications advisor
T 64 4 801 2521
M 027 672 5881
F 04 4 801 2599
andree.kaifong@nzta.govt.nz
