Geotech rigs will take core samples from the underslip. Photo / Waka Kotahi
Geotech rigs will take core samples from the underslip. Photo / Waka Kotahi
Road users are being warned to expect long delays at the SH25 underslip site between Hikuai and Opoutere on Wednesday 15 March, while Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency contractors work to stabilise the surface of the temporary bypass track.
From approximately 10am onwards the stabilisation work will require periods offull road closure for 30 minutes to one hour at a time. At regular intervals, the road will reopen under stop/go traffic management to allow light vehicles access before closing again and resuming the work.
Waka Kotahi says it thanks the Coromandel community for their patience while it undertakes this necessary activity to keep the bypass around the underslip safe and useable for traffic.
Waka Kotahi said on Monday that the surface of the temporary track coped better than expected with the increased traffic volumes over the weekend, so it would be safe for the road to remain open unless there’s deterioration,”
Travel through the site will be under stop/go traffic management with the potential for periods of stop/stop or full closure for maintenance on the temporary pavement, the Monday announcement said.
Waikato System Manager for Waka Kotahi, Cara Lauder said: “Two geotech drill rigs are on site to enable core samples to be collected from the underslip, which will inform the best way forward for a permanent fix of the road.
The temporary track around the underslip coped well with weekend traffic. Photo / Waka Kotahi
Waka Kotahi reminds road users that contractors are on site working to make the road safe.
“Please respect our road workers. They’re doing everything they can to guide people safely through, while repairs are ongoing,” says Lauder.
People are urged to check the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner before they travel, and be prepared that the agency may have to close the road at any point if there is additional cracking or damage.
Check road and weather conditions on Waka Kotahi’s Journey Planner.
For local roads, visit the Thames Coromandel District Council Facebook page or website.
