SH2 Waioweka Gorge convoy route shortened as slip repair work steps up

One of the many slip sites on State Highway 2 through Waioweka Gorge that came down in January. Photo / NZTA

The convoy route through SH2 Waioweka Gorge will be shortened from Monday, with controlled access continuing past the Goldsmith slip.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said in a statement that the escorted stretch will be reduced to about 2.6km.

It would allow crews more time on-site to speed up efforts to restore the highway to two-way traffic.

NZTA said the change means the meeting point on the Gisborne side would shift north to 1km north of the Oponae rest area.

The meeting point on the Ōpōtiki side, at Goldsmith Reserve, would remain unchanged.

The shortened convoy distance means each trip was estimated to take 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the number of vehicles in each convoy.

This would enable adjustments to the schedule and longer uninterrupted work periods.

NZTA it would give crews more time on the ground to continue stabilisation work at the Goldsmith slip site so the road could be restored to normal two-way traffic sooner.

Convoys will continue to operate seven days a week.

The convoy distance through SH2 Waioweka Gorge will be reduced to approximately 2.6km, with controlled access through the Goldsmith slip area. Photo /  NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

New convoy times from Monday

Gisborne-bound

• Start point: Goldsmith Reserve
• Departure times: 7am, 12.30pm, 6.30pm

Ōpōtiki-bound

• Start point: 1km north of the Oponae rest area
• Departure times: 7.30am, 1pm, 7pm

Geotechnical assessments had confirmed the road was safe under controlled access.

NZTA encouraged people to carefully consider whether travel was essential and to plan ahead.

Drivers should be prepared for the road to close at short notice if weather conditions or risk assessments changed.

It is an active worksite and normal road conditions should not be expected.

Convoys would remain in place while crews complete tasks to stabilise the site, which include drainage improvements, culvert checks and debris clearance.