Temporary accessway carved out after massive slip takes out section of Tiniroto Road

The major landslide site on the Tiniroto Road, shut to traffic since Tuesday last week, fully reopened today after contractors completed work on a temporary accessway. It was opened on a limited basis yesterday with pilot vehicles taking traffic through during the day. Picture supplied

Tiniroto Road between Rockhill and Parikanapa roads, closed by the massive landslide last week, fully reopened today after what has been described as “fantastic work” by the contractors involved.

An estimated 25,000 cubic metres of hillside material slid across the road, taking the road with it, on Tuesday afternoon last week.

The road was made “impassable” at the 20k mark, the same location where a massive landslide caused by Cyclone Bola took out the road in 1988.

Contractors had been hard at work since last Tuesday’s event carving out a new temporary accessway.

The road was opened at set times yesterday during daylight hours but opens fully this morning.

“Friday, Saturday and Sunday - the road will be fully open,” the council said in a statement.

“Monday and Tuesday next week plan for delays at the site as we  continue to remove logs from the slip site.”

The council release said they continue to monitor the dam and lake created by the landslide of the Waikoko Stream.

GDC principal scientist Dr Murry Cave said they have been monitoring lake levels every day since the slip.

“We are also undertaking dam breach analysis to assess the impacts of a sudden breach on downstream infrastructure, although the risk of that is quite low,” Dr Cave said.

The council has paid tribute to the “epic amount of mahi” that has gone into getting the road reopened at that point.

Facebook responses echoed that sentiment - “Fantastic effort!”, “Let the force be with you CAT Machine,” and “Awesome work!!!”

Tiniroto Road remains closed at the troublesome Hangaroa Bluffs, with residents obliged to use the Parikanapa Road to get to Gisborne, or go via Wairoa.