What's in store for your weekend? MetService's John Law reports. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY
Fine weather and “exceptional efforts” by contractors has seen State Highway 25 between Whangamatā and Whiritoa reopen this morning, NZ Transport Agency says.
The road was examined by a geotechnical specialist following works to clear the road after last week’s storm damage and they confirmed that it was safefor traffic to use.
The road reopened at 8am today with NZ Transport Agency crediting “some exceptional efforts by our contractor, Higgins”, and helped by fine weather.
“A reminder that anyone planning to travel to the Coromandel this weekend is advised to allow plenty of extra time for their journey and expect to see traffic management and speed restrictions at a number of locations,” a statement from the agency said this morning.
Meanwhile, a 2km-long section of stop/go traffic control will be set up on SH25 Pumpkin Hill, north of Tairua, today.
Within this 2km stretch there are sites which have priority give way; however, the visibility for these is not ideal.
Slip on State Highway 25 between Whangamatā and Whiritoa. Photo / NZ Transport Agency
In order to make this section of SH25 safer, the stop/go will remain in place for the foreseeable future while the slips are addressed.
The agency said, with the last closed section of SH25 set to reopen, the focus would now move to the ongoing cleanup, which was expected to take some months.
“Currently, there are around 20 locations around the Coromandel where SH25 is down to one lane due to slips above or under the road.
“Some of these will be simple to clear; however, others will need further work to stabilise the slope before the road can reopen to two-lane traffic.”
Anyone planning to travel to the Coromandel is advised to allow plenty of extra time for their journey and expect to see traffic management and speed restrictions at a number of locations.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi would like to thank the Coromandel community and visitors for their patience.
