The piece of highway across the Waikura under slip has reopened as crews strive to re-establish the whole SH35 link around the Cape. Photo / Supplied
The piece of highway across the Waikura under slip has reopened as crews strive to re-establish the whole SH35 link around the Cape. Photo / Supplied
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has warned people to expect slower journeys along State Highway 35 after the first public vehicles in three weeks travelled the storm-ravaged section of road between Pōtaka and Te Araroa today.
That section of highway was closed after slips and flooding from heavy raincaused severe damage last month.
It has reopened to the public between 7am and 7pm from today onwards.
The latest images along the road from NZTA show where progress has been made at the worst-hit sites, most notably at the Punaruku slip where 250,000cu m of material fell.
The agency’s incident controller Richard Bayley said crews have worked hard to get the road to this point.
“However, people travelling through should expect a much slower journey,” Bayley said.
“That stretch of road is still in a fragile state and reduced speeds will be in place and multiple sites with traffic management in place.
The first cars travelled along the section of State Highway 35 between Te Araroa and Hicks Bay, over the Punaruku slip, on Thursday morning. Photo / Supplied
“There’ll also be an 18-tonne weight limit for vehicles. Trucks will be able to drive through, but not trucks towing trailers as the road is too narrow in many places.
“Just like Waioweka Gorge, conditions can change quickly, meaning the road may need to close again at short notice to keep everyone safe. We’re working hard to minimise those disruptions.”
Bayley said crews would be working on the side of the road, clearing debris, improving drainage and opening culverts to reduce the risk of further issues.
NZTA advised people to travel with extreme care, follow all instructions and be mindful of workers on the road.
“There are a lot of work sites, including five single-lane sections with traffic lights. You’ll see a lot of activity on the side of the roads and expect delays of approximately 45 minutes.”
Outside of the opening times, the road will close and crews will continue their work.
East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick earlier said she was delighted for the communities in the area.
“They are so close together Te Araroa, Wharekahika and Pōtaka even further around. This has been a major disruption for them over the last three weeks,” she said.
“While it will be hard for a bit longer, that road won’t be a tar-sealed road as they are used to, at least they have access and they can get backwards and forwards to get about their business.
“Great work from the contractors and great work from everybody up there who have shown such patience in times of real hardship.”
