Work to begin on SH35 rest area upgrades

Tairāwhiti Roads will begin work next week to upgrade seven rest areas along State Highway 35 between Gisborne and Opotiki.

Tairāwhiti Roads general manager, Dave Hadfield, says the $700,000 project is fully Crown-funded as part of the Tairāwhiti Economic Action Plan, and will provide both safety and tourism benefits by allowing opportunities for travellers.

“These new rest areas will allow road users and tourists the chance to pull off the road and take a break while they appreciate our region’s stunning beauty and many natural attractions,” Mr Hadfield says.

“The works are either enhancements and complement existing rest areas, or involve changing the use of older sites such as a paved area for heavy vehicles.”

The rest areas will be upgraded to provide a mix of fully serviced areas, picnic areas and laybys

• Sites at the Tolaga Bay Reserve, Tokomaru Bay Playground, and Te Araroa will be upgraded to fully serviced rest areas.
• Picnic areas will be installed at Makorori South and Tikitiki, and layby areas built at the Ruatoria and Anaura Bay turn-offs.

“The schedule of works was developed following a survey of existing sites, and takes into consideration desired travel times between rest areas as well as feedback from the community and our stakeholders,” Mr Hadfield says.

“Each site will also feature an information board showcasing the region’s ‘first light’ branding, a brief history of the area and details about tourism attractions and local amenities.”

Contract for construction has been awarded to SiteWorx Civil, and the rest areas are expected to be completed by the end of June 2018.