Big crowds expected for 'once in a lifetime' walk

More than 1000 people are expected this weekend to make their first crossings of the new Matahorua Gorge Viaduct which will open to traffic on the main road between Napier and Wairoa by early next month.
The 137-metre-long viaduct, part of a 3.1km State Highway 2 realignment costing $30 million about 50km northeast of Napier, will be open for a public walkover between 10am and 3pm tomorrow.
Acting state highways manager Gordon Hart said it's a "once in a lifetime" chance for people to stop and look at the gorge road it will replace more than 100m below or take a side-on view of the now-parallel, railway bridge which was built in 1928.
By early yesterday afternoon five buses had been fully booked and more bookings were being taken to carry people from Havelock North, Napier, Hastings and from Wairoa.
With many more people expected by private vehicles, and another fine and hot Northern Hawke's Bay Sunday forecast, Mr Hart said calculations were that more than 1000 people, "possibly 2000" would take the opportunity to view the structure.
Vehicle parking will be available and well sign-posted, and for those who might struggle with the walk to the viaduct there will be shuttle buses, he said.
People can walk or cycle over the viaduct during the open day which is being hosted in partnership with the Rotary clubs of Wairoa, Napier and Hastings and the Institution of Professional Engineers.
The opening of the bridge to traffic next week will culminate one of the largest roading projects seen in Hawke's Bay in many years.
It is the centrepiece of a project which began with the turning of the sod in October 2009, and which is part of the Government's Jobs and Growth economic stimulus package.
The winding gorge it will replace has been prone to slips, in some cases closing the road for several days.
Once the realignment and viaduct are open, the gorge road will be closed and removed.
PROJECTS
The realignment is one of several major projects on Hawke's Bay highways:
The 3.1km Hawke's Bay Expressway Southern Extension from York Rd near Flaxmere to Longlands Rd south of Hastings is also expected to open next month.
The Poukawa passing lane construction on SH2 between Hastings and Waipawa.
The Hastings and Napier district councils are each working on the last remaining gravel sections of the Napier-Taihape road, including the Gentle Annie. More than 20km is under reconstruction or being prepared for sealing.
Contractors are working on the Corby Rd-Matahiwi Hill and Papatawa realignments of State Highway 2 between Dannevirke and Woodville.
OPEN DAY
Matahorua Gorge Viaduct open day, SH2, 50km northeast of Napier, Sunday, February 13, 10am-3pm. Buses are available from Wairoa ($10pp return, ph 06-8386049) and Napier-Hastings ($20pp return, email matahorua@nzta.govt.nz).
A gold-coin donation is appreciated and will be collected by Rotary, with all proceeds going to the Rotary Pathways Trusts for walking and cycling initiatives in Hawke's Bay and Wairoa. Food and refreshments available at the site.