Team effort sees SH1 north of Kaitaia reopen after washout

The first vehicles started crossing the repaired stretch of SH1 at Pukenui, north of Kaitaia, at 3pm on Wednesday, above. Photo / Mike Dinsdale

A sterling effort from contractors, locals and forestry bosses saw State Highway 1 at Pukenui open for traffic and pedestrians yesterday afternoon, a day ahead of schedule.

The NZ Transport Agency said the road reopened to two lanes of traffic and pedestrians at 3pm yesterday, after a kaumatua performed a karakia to bless the road at midday.

"The road rebuild has been an awesome effort by our crews. We've had a good run of fine weather since the washout but our crews have had to work in difficult ground conditions 5 metres below road level. They've worked as quickly as safely possible to restore the highway for our northern communities," NZTA's Northland System Manager Jacqui Hori-Hoult said.

The original plan was to reopen today, but there was significant progress on Tuesday as trucks brought in about 2000cu m of material to cover the drain and fill the hole up to road level.

"The Transport Agency thanks the local communities and businesses affected by the road closure. We understand the frustrations and challenges it's caused and we've worked as hard as possible to reopen the road and provide a permanent solution to the drainage challenges in the area," Ms Hori-Hoult said.

Many locals were happy the road was good to go ahead of the long Easter Weekend holiday, with plenty of visitors expected to be using the road.

NZTA appreciated the patience of the Far North locals stuck on the other side of the great divide, with some dropping off baking and refreshments to the workers.

NZTA also thanked Summit Forests for allowing public vehicles to use its private forest track to bypass the washout.

The Transport Agency also thanked the police for managing the morning and evening convoys. Police guided more than 150 vehicles in convoys for the 40- minute journey through the forestry tracks over three days.

Extra police staff were put on the roads to help with emergencies and the washout caused some disruptions for local schools, as well as for tourists wanting to access the iconic lighthouse at Cape Reinga.

The Transport Agency also thanks local authorities, emergency services and the Ministry of Civil Defence as they worked closely to ensure the welfare of local communities and visitors.

"The route across the washout area will be unsealed and work is continuing on the culvert either side of the road today. There will be stop/go traffic management and drivers can expect some delays," Ms Hori-Hoult said.

"There will be no work over the long weekend but work on the site will continue after Easter for about two weeks until the road is sealed."

Last Friday's heavy rain also caused flooding and road damage further north of the washout so crews will be moving on to repair as required, she said.

■ Check www.nzta.govt.nz for the latest highway information or join www.onthemove.govt.nz for up-to-date route information; freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS for national and regional travel updates.