Tiniroto Road open at bluffs, restricted times

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

Hangaroa and Tiniroto residents will be reconnected from tomorrow with the re-opening of Tiniroto Road at the Hangaroa Bluffs (34-41km), closed since Cyclone Gabrielle.

It will be open at the Bluffs to light vehicles only, and only between 6am and 6pm daily at this stage.

“The road has been lowered, so you will feel closer to the river over this section of road,” the Gisborne District Council said on social media yesterday.

“There’s still a lot of work to do.

“To give our contractors time to do this, time slots will be operating between 6am and 9am and 2pm and 6pm when the road will open every half hour each way.  Between 9am and 2pm the road will open every hour each way.

“The road will be closed overnight between 6pm and 6am.”

Gates have been installed at either end to stop traffic using the section when it is closed.

The council said heavy trucks will be able to use the road from Monday, April 17.

“Traffic lights will be installed to manage traffic flows.

“Please be kind to contractors on site — it’s not OK to abuse them for the work they’re doing.

“The road will be closed when any heavy rain is forecast, as this section is prone to rockfalls and the rising river level may overtop the road.

‘Staff are investigating the long-term fix for this road, but it could be up to three years away.”

Parikanapa Road will be fully open to all vehicles from tomorrow.