Rock and dirt brought down in gorge to improve safety

Some 300 cubic metres of rock and dirt was deliberately brought down in the Manawatu Gorge yesterday in an effort to improve the safety of motorists.

About 12 cars were hit by falling rocks on Monday, and one had a side window broken. The rocks fell from the area of a 40-metre wide by 60-metre high slip that closed the gorge for three days last week.

Transit New Zealand regional manager Errol Christiansen said the gorge was closed from 9am to 3pm yesterday so a helicopter could sluice the cliff face and bring down any more loose rock.

The road was to be reduced to one lane today, so deer-fencing can be placed on the top of concrete barriers to prevent more loose rock from hitting cars.

Pulp and vegetation seed will then be sprayed on the slip area.

- NZPA