Closing gorge for slip work

future-proofing: Remedial work on this slip in the Waioeka Gorge requires the highway to be closed from 7am to 4pm tomorrow. Picture supplied

Waioeka Gorge will be closed to traffic tomorrow between 7am and 4pm so contractors can carry out remedial work on two slips on State Highway 2.

The highway will be closed between Waioeka Pa Road at the northern end and immediately west of Matawai at the southern end.

“This will allow the sluicing of a recent slip site above the Waioeka Gorge to take place at the same time as a planned replacement of a culvert located approximately seven kilometres from Matawai (on the southern approach to the Motu Bridge), where recent heavy rain caused an underslip that has reduced the width of SH2 to a single lane,” a Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency spokeswoman said.

“During the closure period residents from the local communities of Oponae and Waioeka will only be able to head north to Ōpōtiki in an emergency. Access south to Matawai will depend on timing as the road will not be passable when the culvert replacement is taking place.”

Emergency vehicles will be able to pass through as required.

“Sluicing the slip site will allow loose material to be removed in a controlled manner, preventing the likelihood of further slips in the future.

“We understand the impact the closure will have on people using the road and the closure ensures that work can be completed as quickly and efficiently as possible at both sites.”