State Highway 1 over the Mangamukas is still on track to open before Christmas, despite an urgent repair job having to be carried out recently – on a damaged pupurangi/kauri snail that was found crossing the road.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said work is entering the final stages of the slip repairs on State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge.
The work involves complex engineering solutions and large machinery working in narrow spaces to stabilise the road, with the goal to ensure safe travel by enhancing the road with advanced drainage systems and specific construction techniques, all while navigating the challenging landscape.
“We’re on track to reopen SH1 through the gorge by Christmas this year,” NZTA said.
The Waka Kotahi environmental team recently performed first aid on a local resident of the Mangamuka Gorge – a giant carnivorous pupurangi (kauri snail). These giants of the ngāhere (forest) are regular visitors to the Mangamuka Gorge road repair site.