The site of the 100m slip is too unstable for any clearing works. Photo / Karen Richardson
The site of the 100m slip is too unstable for any clearing works. Photo / Karen Richardson
Motu Rd in the Eastern Bay of Plenty is likely to remain closed for several months as investigation work is carried out on a significant slip.
In mid-November, a section of Motu Rd gave way near the Ōpōtiki district boundary between Pāpāmoa Hill and Whitikau Rd, around the 35-kilometre mark.
The road has been closed on both sides of the slip since.
Ōpōtiki District Council asset manager Jessica Wiseman said it was a significant slip, stretching around 100m from head to toe with channels through the road bench.
“At this stage the site is too unstable for any clearing works,” Wiseman said.
“Because the road bench appears to be gone, any repairs will likely be large-scale and require careful planning before works can begin.”
Motu Rd usually carries around 35 vehicles a day and many cyclists use it. Photo / Karen Richardson
The council would continue to monitor the slip’s movement, and the road would remain closed while further investigation work was carried out.
Wiseman said it was a hazardous area – debris was still moving, and large rocks and vegetation continued to fall, so the public should keep well clear of the site.
Motu Rd usually carried around 35 vehicles a day and many cyclists used it as its own ride, or to access the upper part of the Pakihi Track.
Pakihi Track was still open and cyclists could get to the start of the trail from SH2 via the Matawai and Motu villages, with shuttles available.
Wiseman said the initial report provided several early options once the area had stabilised, but none of them would be simple.
“This isn’t a straightforward ‘clear and repair’ situation – a section of the road has been completely taken out by the slip,” she said.
“Possible solutions include rerouting the road to bypass the slip (which would mean building more than 1km of road through challenging terrain); retreating the road or clearing the slip and constructing bridge works across the lost road bench.”
The site of the 100m slip is too unstable for any clearing works. Photo / Karen Richardson
Wiseman said before any decisions could be made, the area needed time to settle with further investigations then required.
“Investigative works will continue, and we’ll also need to approach Waka Kotahi NZTA to help cover the costs of this work.
“So, unfortunately, the road will remain closed through Christmas, likely throughout the summer months and possibly longer, depending on what is decided.
“We know how much this is impacting local residents and businesses and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding,” Wiseman said.
