Slight delays on asphalt work as rain and cold take a toll

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

An estimated 30,000 square metres of asphalt has now been laid as crews continue the resurfacing of State Highway 2 north of Matawai.

There have been a number of overnight closures on the stretch of SH2 between Matawai and the Waioeka Gorge as crews continue asphalting of the road.

To minimise disruption, work has been done at night, between 7pm and 5am when the weather’s fine, with some road closures required.

The road closure times apply to both sides of the work site.

“Work is under way at Trafford’s Hill between Matawai and the Waioeka Gorge. This will be followed by work at Otoko and then crews will move south towards Gisborne,” Waka Kotahi NZTA Hawke’s Bay/Tairāwhiti journey manager Andre Taylor said.

“Poor weather and colder than expected temperatures have delayed the programme slightly, meaning the work programme is expected to be complete in early October.”

Mr Taylor said an estimated 80,000 square metres of asphalt will be laid by the end of the programme.

“This stretch of road is a crucial lifeline for the community. These closures enable us to strengthen this stretch of SH2 safely and efficiently, and we appreciate people’s patience and support while we do this.”

■  More information about the SH2 asphalting programme is available at https://tinyurl.com/ypk2cs77