Here they go again: on the road-repairs trail after recent deluge

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Gisborne District Council has provided a detailed update on road repair progress in the wake of the weekend’s heavy rain, as well as an update on affected bridges and river crossings.

“As many of you will be aware, our already fragile roading network took another hit at the weekend, with rain causing further saturation and subsequent damage,” the council said in a statement yesterday.

The roading information relates to the work contractors will be carrying out in coming days.

Kanakanaia Road:  closed at 5km due to slips and subsidence. Work begins today and will take approximately three to five days.

Ngakoroa Road:  closed to heavy vehicles between 2km and 4km due to multiple dropouts. Work begins today and will take approximately one week. Expect 10-15 minute delays.

Waimata Valley Road: closed to heavy vehicles from 12km. Teams were on site yesterday, with work starting today.

Rakauroa Road: work to repair the dropout at 7km will begin early next week.

Bruce Road:  closed at 1km due to a washout. Work is planned to remove debris and build back approaches to box culverts. Time frame to be confirmed; site subject to forecast and river levels.

BRIDGES

Waikereru Bridge:  work to remove debris build-up and scour at the western approach is set to begin on Monday, weather permitting. It will take approximately a week. Road closure to reinstate the pavement is planned from Wednesday, December 6 to Friday, December 8, from 9am-2.30pm daily. Due to flood damage an alternative road is not available.

Whakauranga Stream Bridge: bridge will be closed at West Ho Road (1.2km) today to instal a test anchor in preparation for permanent repairs in the new year. Initial work will take approximately one to two days.

River crossings impacted are —

Burgess Crossing: 23km at Pehiri Road.

Hikuwai Crossing: 0.5km via private access at Hikuwai Road.

Te Kowhai Crossing: 0.8km at Te Kowhai Road.

Work at all sites is reliant on river levels dropping so teams can work safely and will take two to three days to complete.

“We’re aware damage has been disruptive for many people and appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete this maintenance repair work,” the council statement said.

“Drive with care and remember to give our crews a wave and a smile, not a shout.”

• Find updates here: https://bit.ly/46BMSGG