Waioeka Gorge closure: Temporary route in sight

Relief is in sight for motorists who have been driving an extra two hours to get to Gisborne after a large slip closed the Waioeka Gorge.

The gorge between Gisborne and Opotiki was closed on March 4 when a large slip consisting of an estimated 100,000cu m of dirt, rock, trees and boulders plunged on to the road blocking both lanes.

It was the second slip in three days and the New Zealand Transport Agency said the road could be closed for up to a month while the slip was cleared.

Motorists have been forced to drive longer routes between Opotiki and Gisborne, using State Highway 35 around East Cape - adding two hours to the trip.

However, the longer trips could soon be over with the NZTA starting construction on a temporary diversion around the slip area on State Highway 2.

NZTA Bay of Plenty state highway manager Brett Gliddon said the design of the route and platform were nearly complete and while weather was hampering some of the main works at the slip face, the contractors now had their attention firmly focused on getting the diversion built.

Mr Gliddon said they must be satisfied the slip face was stable before this route could be opened to traffic as it would be created around the slip area.

"This temporary diversion route will provide relief for motorists, but before we can open it we'll need to make sure that it is safe to use.

"We are progressing the route in parallel with our stabilisation work so that we can get the diversion open as soon as possible."

The temporary route would have some significant restrictions on its use and would be subject to time restrictions - traffic would be reduced to one lane through the detour.

He is unable to confirm when the temporary detour route will be open but it will be assessed early next week.

"We do not want to set false expectations around when it will be open as there is still the unknown of when the slip face will be stable and what the heavy rain will do to this area this week," he said.

Contractors Downer and Opus were working in very difficult conditions, Mr Gliddon said.

"We appreciate the disruption the slip is causing the region and our team are working to restore access as soon as it is safe to do so"

 

Email: cherie.taylor@dailypost.co.nz