Turning the first sod at the Tiniroto bypass are (from left) East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick, Mayor Rehette Stoltz, Tiniroto resident Richard Webby and Richard Niania (Te Hononga o Ngā Awa).
Turning the first sod at the Tiniroto bypass are (from left) East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick, Mayor Rehette Stoltz, Tiniroto resident Richard Webby and Richard Niania (Te Hononga o Ngā Awa).
Construction of the Tiniroto bypass began on Monday with a karakia and sod-turning, attended by residents, mana whenua, contractors and Gisborne District Council staff.
The bypass features two new bridges across the Hangaroa River connected by more than 2km of new road through rugged farmland around the unstable Hangaroa bluffs.
An artist's impression of the planned southern bridge across Hangaroa River at Tiniroto.
Mayor Rehette Stoltz said the $45 million bypass would be one of the largest single council-led roading projects the region had seen.
“Once you see the terrain out here you really understand how much work is required to create the new road through this farmland,” she said.
Earthworks will involve up to 40,000 cubic metres to prepare for the 18,000 metres of new road and 20 new culverts.
The project is a key component of the council’s $241.5m Government-funded recovery programme.
“We’re so grateful to Government for their constant support and funding this project, which will build resilience for our region for generations to come.”
An image of the planned northern bridge at Tiniroto.
Council major projects manager Jamie Gallacher said the project was expected to take up to two years and minimal disruption to road users was expected.
