Rakaiatane Rd, Manutuke works start Monday

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

Motorists can expect delays on Rakaiatane Road and State Highway 2 at Manutuke from Monday.

Tairawhiti Roads advises motorists works will start on Rakaiatane Road as preparation work for a road upgrade takes place.

Both lanes will be kept open for most of the works but a 30kmh speed limit will be in place, with some stop/go traffic management at times.

“From Monday, work crews will start on preparation works ahead of the full asphalt upgrade,” said Tairawhiti Roads general manager Dave Hadfield.

“These include kerb and channel repairs, footpath repairs and sump upgrades.”

Mr Hadfield said the current chipseal would be replaced in May with asphalt which would help to create a smoother, quieter and longer-lasting road surface.

“The upgrade will include a new road layout with two courtesy crossings and extra car parks for visitors to Titirangi Kaiti Hill and the Cook Landing Site – Puhi Kai Iti.”

Tairawhiti Roads received $4.5 million from the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund for the Rakaiatane Road upgrade.

Mr Hadfield said work crews would also start work on Monday on SH2 at Manutuke, as sections of the road needed to be replaced.

“These sections will be dug out, rebuilt and resealed,” he said. “New line marking will then take place.”

Traffic will be down to one lane between the Whakato Road and Karaua Road intersections, with stop/go traffic management in place. A 30kmh speed limit through the site will also be in effect when staff are at work and a 50kmh speed limit when the site is unattended.

“Please allow extra time for your journey as there will be delays and please respect the speed limit through this site which is in place for the safety of road users and our work crews.”