NZTA says rock scaling continued on Friday at the Punaruku slip site. It will be paused over the weekend, and it is hoped work will resume on Monday. Photo / NZTA
NZTA says rock scaling continued on Friday at the Punaruku slip site. It will be paused over the weekend, and it is hoped work will resume on Monday. Photo / NZTA
The stretch of State Highway 35 from Pōtaka at Lottin Point Rd south to the Taurangakoau Bridge over Mangaowira Stream just south of Te Araroa is closed over the weekend.
NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) said the move was to ensure the safety of all road users and road crew members.
“Over the past few days, there have been some essential and lifeline service convoys taking place through the closures. However, these will also be cancelled over the weekend (from 6pm Friday),” an NZTA spokesman said.
“At this stage, we are hoping to resume convoys for essential and lifeline services as well as local residents on Monday. This will be determined following a safety inspection on Sunday to assess the condition of the road when it is safe to do so before further decisions are made.
“We’re closing the road to protect people, our crews and our communities.”
SH35 remains open between the Taurangakoau Bridge and Gisborne.
Meanwhile, rock scaling to remove large, loose rocks and boulders from the hillside is being done at the site of the biggest slip between Te Araroa and Wharekahika/Hicks Bay.
