Gisborne roads update: New hours for SH2 Waioweka Gorge and SH35

Work has been progressing well at the Waikura slip between Pōtaka and Wharekahika/Hicks Bay on State Highway 35. Photo / NZTA

Progress continues on fixing severe weather-damaged major roads in and around the Gisborne district including State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has updated the convoy situation in the gorge between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne.

“Thanks to progress made this week, from Monday, March 9, the early morning and late afternoon periods will be open with stop/go for both Ōpōtiki and Gisborne-bound traffic,” the site said.

The gorge will be open daily under stop/go past the Goldsmith slip site:

• 5am–7am stop/go, all vehicles in both directions, delays of up to 15 minutes.
• 7am – 6pm stop/go every hour, on the hour. 
• 6pm–8pm stop/go, all vehicles in both directions, delays of up to 15 minutes.

“To avoid long delays, we encourage people to travel through the gorge between 5am and7am or 6pm and 8pm if possible. The start points stay the same for Gisborne-bound at Goldsmith Reserve and Ōpōtiki-bound will move to the Goldsmith slip site. Road closed nightly for uninterrupted work.

“While geotechnical assessments confirm the road is safe under controlled access, we encourage travellers to consider whether their trip is essential and to plan ahead,” the update said.

“Drivers should be prepared for the road to close at short notice if weather conditions change or risk assessments require it. The area remains an active worksite and is still vulnerable.”

Meanwhile, an NZTA press release said SH35 from Pōtaka to Wharekahika/Hicks Bay opened at 7am on Friday and would stay open 24/7.

“The stretch of highway between Pōtaka in the west and Te Araroa was badly hit in January with heavy rain, flooding and slips. A fortnight ago, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi was able to open this section of road to road users between 7am and 7pm daily,” the NZTA release said.

Crews were still working on the section of SH35 between Pōtaka and Hicks Bay that would be open 24/7.

“Since opening during the day, crews have been continuing to clear more of the slip and get it ready for safe, night-time driving,” NZTA incident controller Richard Bayley said.

“That included excavating more material to widen the road around the Waikura slip, putting more metal down on the ground and completing new drainage work to keep water away from the road.

“Opening the road at night has been the goal, but it can only be done when the area is safe for everyone. That’s why Hicks Bay to Te Araroa will still be closed at night at this stage. This is where a quarter of a million cubic metres of soil and rocks fell down on to the road.

“People will need to take care, drive to the conditions and be aware that at night, like during the day, there will be lower speeds in place and a lot of traffic management. Please respect the restrictions – they’re there to keep everyone safe.

“Work is continuing as quickly as possible to get the Hicks Bay to Te Araroa stretch open 24/7 as well. SH35 is an important connection to Gisborne for all the local communities up and down that road – and it’ll be a great day when we can restore the full connection at night," Bayley said.