Northern parts of State Highway 35 not yet safe for public, but work progresssing

Rain last week caused more material to fall at the Waikura underslip. Photo / NZTA

Crews have been working through the weekend to improve access around the top of the East jCoast’s State Highway 35.

The road remains closed between Pōtaka in the west and Te Araroa, following a number of slips along this stretch of road.

NZ Transport Agency, in an update yesterday, said the Waikura underslip between Pōtaka and Wharekahika/Hicks Bay was the main focus after more of the road fell away in rain last week.

“Excavators have been brought in to safely create more space for access,” NZTA said.

“Further around SH35, crews are continuing to make good progress at clearing the Punaruku slip – almost 250,000 cubic metres of material which slid down the bank, taking the road with it."

Crews had laid an 800 millimetre thick base of metal and rock with geogrid, a mesh engineered to reinforce soil and improve ground stabilisation, on a track through Punaruku slip.

“It is currently not ready for vehicles and the closures are in place for the safety of everyone – it’s crucial these aren’t ignored, even if people are familiar with the terrain."

NZTA said the road was not yet safe for the public and geotech engineers were regularly inspecting it.

“NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi wants the road open as quickly as possible too – but this must be opened in a way and at a time that is safe for motorists and crews alike.

“There is also some rock scaling needed in this area to help stabilise the hillside.”

MetService has forecast more rain over the region this week, with it expected to be heavier later in the week. NZTA said crews were aware of the forecast as they continued to work towards establishing safe access.