Convoys operating for Otoko Hill detour

The temporary detour on Wharekopae Road around the issues with State Highway 2 at Otoko began yesterday with convoys both ways over the route, and more convoys planned during daytime over the next three days. Image supplied

Work continued yesterday morning on getting the Wharekopae Road ready to use as an alternative for the State Highway 2, Otoko Hill closure, and convoy arrangements began yesterday afternoon.

The detour on the unsealed road will take about one hour 15 minutes to drive.

Leaving from Gisborne it will take approximately 45 minutes to drive to the start at Rere Falls.

Wharekopae Road starts from the Waipaoa Bridge roundabout on SH2 south.

Leaving from Opotiki, it will take about one hour to drive to the start of the detour. The intersection is just over the Motu Bridge and 4km up Te Wera Road.

Motorists need to allow time to arrive 10 minutes before the convoy leaves from the start points.

The detour will be open only to light vehicles. No heavy trucks, motorhomes or cars with trailers will be allowed on the road. Gisborne District Council recommends 4WD.

“If you have a 2WD or low-ground-clearance car and you’re not familiar with driving on an unsealed or metal road, please consider using alternative State Highway 35 north or SH2 south,” the council said.

Wharekopae Road will only open for the convoy times and will be closed at night.

“At this stage we don’t have convoy times for the weekend, as we’re hoping the highway may be open by then.

“We will let the public know on Thursday once an update is received from Waka Kotahi.

“The convoys are piloted. Please drive carefully.”

Contractors needed yesterday morning to finish preparing the route.

Yesterday convoys left Rere Falls towards Matawai at 2pm, and went the other way, Matawai towards Gisborne, at 4pm.

Today, tomorrow and Friday the times will be: Matawai (Te Wera) to Gisborne 8am, Gisborne (Rere Falls) to Matawai 10am, Matawai (Te Wera) to Gisborne 12noon, Gisborne (Rere Falls) to Matawai 2pm, Matawai (Te Wera) to Gisborne 4pm.

“There are toilets at Rere Falls and we’ll provide a Port-a-loo at the Te Wera end,” the council said.

“Our contractors have been working hard to get this route open, and we thank them for all their mahi.

“While these times might not suit everyone, it’s the best we can do given the condition of the road and staff required to assist with the convoys.

“Whakarau Road is not an option — the road is closed with dropouts and slips.”

The council reminded drivers that all unsealed roads are closed to heavy freight vehicles until 11am on Friday.