Fine weather allows start of minor slip work on SH5

Te Pohue on SH5 took some slip battering during last month's heavy rainstorms. PHOTO/Paul Taylor HBT17029913

Slip clearance work along stretches of SH2 between Napier and Wairoa is expected to be wrapped up in the next couple of days with crews then turning their attention to SH5 through to Taupo.

Fine weather has been the contractors' friend over the past few days and that is forecast to continue through to the end of this week.

"High pressure is rolling in this week, bringing drier, more settled weather," was how a MetService meteorologist put it.

Sunshine and temperatures in the mid-teens are on the forecast menu through until Saturday, although some showers are expected to return on Sunday and into Monday next week.

New Zealand Transport Agency journey manager for Hawke's Bay Oliver Postings said crews would move on to SH5 "for a few days" to deal with minor slips on roadside berms and in some water tables.

Motorists are advised to be prepared for trucks and loaders working in some areas and speed restrictions and stop-go signalling will be in place. There will be slight delays in travel.

Delays can also be expected on other highways across the region as pavement repairs are carried out at various sites.

However, Mr Postings said the repairs were essentially short duration jobs so impact on traffic would be "minimal".

Delays on parts of SH50 around Links Rd and Maraekakaho Rd to Kereru Rd where power pole work is being carried out would also be minimal.

Temporary speed restrictions and stop-go signalling around Gwavas Station and Creek Rd where a stock underpass is being built are still in place but the work is close to completion and impact on traffic was reducing.