NO GO AREA: Kowhai Park is in better shape now than it was (pictured) after last month's flood , but it will still be three weeks or more before the clean-up is finished.PHOTO/FILE
NO GO AREA: Kowhai Park is in better shape now than it was (pictured) after last month's flood , but it will still be three weeks or more before the clean-up is finished.PHOTO/FILE
Heavy machinery is likely to be operating in Kowhai Park for at least another three weeks, advises the Wanganui District Council.
The park is still off limits to the public. The machines are clearing silt from last month's flood in and around the playground area down to the Dublin StreetBridge, so it unsafe for the public to use the park.
"We anticipate that this machinery may be operating for at least another three weeks, depending on the weather," a council update said. The skatebowl has been partially emptied, but the drain needs to be cleared before further clean-up work can proceed. The heavy machinery was moved to the playground area for part of last week, but will be back in the skatebowl area this week.
Around the region, work is progressing well on improving road access. No 3 Line from the urban boundary to Kaimatira Rd reopens today. The bridge in this section will be one lane only.
Remaining road closures: Matahiwi Track (about 800m from Whanganui River Rd), Ahu Ahu Valley Rd (last 3km), No 3 Line from urban boundary to Kaimatira Rd (reopening today), Kaiwhaiki Rd (last 1km). 4WD access only: Junction Rd, Kauarapaoa Rd, Creek Rd, Kaukatea Valley Rd, Bruce Rd, Matahiwi Track (first 800m only; remainder is closed), Whanganui River Rd - north from Ranana to the district boundary; 2WD (caution needed due to slippery surface): Papaiti Rd, Longacre Rd, Waikupa Rd, Kaikokopu Rd (gravel section only), Matarawa Valley Rd.
All other roads in the district are now open and available to 2WDs and cars. Truck and trailer contractors who want to gain access to rural roads should contact the Roading Alliance on 027 444 8346 for an update.
SH4 (the Parapara) remains closed.
The possible opening date for 4WD vehicles being able to use the Pipiriki-Raetihi Rd has been pushed out to Friday, July 24.
Ruapehu District Council land transport manager Warren Furner said contractors had hoped to open the road for 4WD access by today.
"Unfortunately, the going has been slower than anticipated, with the contractors needing to move slowly because of the unstable ground conditions and fear of bringing more material down," he said. "Of course, the new Friday, July 24 target date may yet get pushed out again, depending on the weather and what else the contractors find as they repair the road.
