“We widened out the shoulder and reconstructed a water table drain and have built a road pavement on top of some geogrid,” Buttimore explained.
He said it couldn’t be built to a “full compaction standard” due to the risk that operating a massive piece of machinery like a roller adjacent to the slip posed.
The road had to be closed following the further collapse of the slip overnight last night so workers could ensure they got as much work done as possible.
Due to their extensive efforts, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has since advised the road will reopen overnight under stop/go traffic management from approximately 7pm–9am.
Waka Kotahi Waikato System Manager Cara Lauder said motorists using the road should be prepared because the road may close at any point if there is additional cracking or damage overnight.
“We want to keep traffic as far away from the underslip as possible and ensure it’s safe,” Lauder said.
“Waka Kotahi contractors have prioritised increasing the width and length of the cut into the bank to help safeguard the access track today.
“Arborists have removed vegetation between the edge of the cut face and the start of the pine plantation.”
However, tomorrow will follow a similar pattern as today, Lauder said. The road will close again from around 9am in order for work on it to continue without delay
“The underslip is unstable and we appreciate everyone’s patience with this evolving situation. We understand how frustrating it is but will reopen for an hour around lunchtime to give drivers a short window to get through, " Lauder said.
“We’re working as fast as possible to give road users a safe way through here.”
She also said Geotech investigations will continue tomorrow which will help inform a permanent fix for the section of the highway that has fallen away.
Emergency services access will be maintained, Waka Kotahi wrote on its website.
