Significant risk of more debris falling at Punaruku slip on East Coast highway

This aerial photograph shows the extent of the work needed to get SH35 reopened across the massive slip at Punaruku between TeAraroa and Wharekahika/Hicks Bay. Photo / Dr Murry Cave (TEMO)

There is “significant risk” of further slips as ground movement continues at the Punaruku slip on State Highway 35, between Te Araroa and Wharekahika/Hicks Bay.

The highway remains closed between Te Araroa and Potaka.

NZ Transport Agency, Tairāwhiti Civil Defence and police have reiterated the importance of avoiding the area.

“We’ve received reports of people ignoring road closure signs and entering the closed areas. This is unacceptable,” an NZTA spokesman said.

“These closures are in place to protect you, your whānau and roadworkers. Entering a closed site puts you and people around you at risk.”

The spokesman said road workers had made excellent progress building a temporary track through the Punaruku site, and were working towards establishing emergency access through the site.

However, the route was not safe yet for public use.

“The road isn’t safe beyond the closure point even if the road looks okay where the road closed signage is.

“What you can’t see from the closure point is the extremely fragile slip above this area that includes a range of material - rocks, debris, trees, and boulders (we estimate at least one boulder is up to 70 tonnes) that still has potential to come down.”

Workers started on rock scaling today for the controlled release of rocks and material down the slip’s slope.

“This is essential work we need to do to increase the safety of the slip site, and safety remains our priority,” the spokesman said.

“If someone unauthorised accesses our site, workers must stop work, move heavy machinery and reset the site.

“This not only greatly increases the safety risk for everyone, but affects our progress and will delay us reopening the road, which is what everyone in the community is waiting for.

“We know how important this route is and we understand the frustration and disruption this closure is causing. We share the goal of reopening the road as soon as it’s safe.”

The spokesman said they were working towards reconnecting the community.

“But we’re not there yet and we need to do this in a safe and controlled way.”

With rain forecast this week, they were closely monitoring the situation and conditions.

“Thank you for your patience, understanding and care while we work to restore safe access as quickly and safely as possible.”