Further slip slows Gorge clean up

It's still too risky for workers to start clearing the road through the Manawatu Gorge, which has now been closed since August 18.

Stabilising the hillside is the biggest challenge and the project team is looking at options to achieve this.

"Every option we're looking at has its own risks in regards to safety, effectiveness and time, and these all need to be carefully assessed before we go in all guns blazing," the Transport Agency's (NZTA) Palmerston North State Highways manager David McGonigal said.

And with recent rain, Mr McGonigal said it's likely more slips will occur.

"Based on the precarious nature of the slip face and the development of the landslide to date, we expect further slips to occur, especially during heavy rainfall or strong earthquake shaking. Some of these risks may still be significant, and the safety of workers is our top priority right now."

However, the agency says it is developing a plan to stabilise the hillside and clear the slip that is blocking SH3 through the gorge as quickly and as safely as possible.

Mr McGonigal said ongoing safety concerns have prevented the use of heavy machinery for clearing work since the October 17 slip dumped 20,000 cubic metres of debris onto the road.

The risks around allowing work crews to operate below the slip face and clear the road were too high for work to resume until the hillside is stablised.

In the interim, NZTA is continuing its ongoing programme of work to maintain the alternate routes.

"We know how important this route is to the local economy.

"We are itching to get the slip cleared as soon as possible so people's lives can return to normal, but we cannot put people's lives at risk.

"We know this isn't what people want to hear and we're frustrated too, but given the latest massive slip on October 17, the goalposts have shifted again and we've had to adjust our plans.

Mr McGonigal said to re-open the road, NZTA will need to stabilise the hillside, then clear the slip material from the road, check the bridge structures and carry out remedial work.