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TREC Hawke's Bay recovery update

Issue 30

10 April 2026


	Tena koe In this issue, we share the completion of major works at Devil’s Elbow on State Highway 2 (SH2), provide an update on underslip repairs along State Highway 38 (SH38), and outline the final stages underway at Rail Bridge 217. Together, these projects represent the last significant pieces of TREC’s recovery mahi across the Hawke’s Bay region. Thanks for your ongoing patience while we continue to work with local contractors to complete these remaining repairs. With a weather warning in place for this weekend, please stay safe. Keep an eye on the NZTA Journey Planner for up-to-date travel information and follow their Facebook page.


	Devil’s Elbow recovery: a major milestone reached More than 3 years on from the devastating impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, our work to rebuild and strengthen one of Hawke’s Bay’s most challenging stretches of highway is now complete. A recent 4km road rebuild (asphalting) at Devil’s Elbow on SH2 marks the end of all major recovery construction in this area, closing a long chapter of hard work and collaboration. Since early 2023, we’ve been working with local contractors in this steep, narrow, and highly constrained terrain to restore this critical route. Eleven recovery projects were delivered across the Devil’s Elbow corridor, including major underslip repairs, drainage improvements, and the construction of a 12m-high retaining wall at Devil’s Corner where a 40m-long, 10m-high underslip had taken out the southbound lane. These works restored the road, and also provided a more resilient, reliable connection for the communities, businesses, and freight operators who depend on SH2 every day. A huge thank you This work was delivered in collaboration with others – thanks to our iwi partners and local contractors for working alongside us. Huge thanks also to the communities along SH2, the freight industry, local businesses and all road users. We appreciate your patience and support. Check out our Devil’s Elbow wrap up video and see just how far we’ve come.


	SH38 slip repair work update – crews now on day shift as programme expands Crews have now switched to day shifts to continue repair work on SH38 between Lake Waikaremoana Holiday Park and Tuai. This follows the completion of night shift works at the end of February. We’re progressing well on the 3 original Cyclone Gabrielle recovery sites: Whatapo Bay underslip #2 South of Kaitawa underslip Rosie Bay underslip NZTA has also recently asked TREC to deliver 2 additional underslip repairs on this stretch of SH38: Whatapo Bay underslip #1 and Whatapo Bay underslip #3. These 2 sites sit alongside the existing Whatapo Bay work and are shown on the map below. All our SH38 work is expected to be completed by June. The extra work will also be delivered during the current daytime closure schedule, so no additional disruption to road users is expected. These are the remaining Cyclone Gabrielle repairs needed along SH38. Once complete they will restore this stretch of highway back to its original width, improving long-term resilience and keeping communities connected. Daytime road closures remain in place on SH38 The daytime closure pattern: Monday to Saturday (6 days each week) Closed 8am–12pm and 1pm–5pm Open 12pm–1pm to allow traffic to pass through the work area The road remains open on Sundays and for public holiday weekends. Anzac weekend opening times for SH38 The road will reopen for the long weekend (Anzac) from 12pm (midday) on Friday 24 April and close again at 8am on Tuesday 28 April with the usual closure schedule.


	SH38 progress: South of Kaitawa All piles have now been installed for both the north and south retaining walls and aggregate, (a crushed stone used to build strong, well‑drained road foundations) has arrived on site as part of the underslip repairs. Backfilling is now underway, along with trenching for the installation of the tie rods that will anchor the wall securely into the hillside. All piles are installed at the South of Kaitawa site. There are 11 piles on the south wall and 28 piles on the north wall.

SH38 progress: Rosie Bay

Drilling works are now underway to install the steel piles (the same as used at the South of Kaitawa site) as part of the underslip repairs.

These are strong vertical steel beams used to stabilise slips and support retaining structures.

Crews have encountered extremely hard rock in this area and while tough going for the team, this is good news. It means the underlying ground is exceptionally solid, providing a stable foundation for the repairs.

Drilling for the piles at Rosie Bay has begun (as you can see in the photo), with a total of 10 piles being installed.


	SH38 progress: Whatapo Bay Underslip #2 Work is progressing well. The team is now constructing the MSE (mechanically stabilised earth) wall and is currently completing the third layer. The third layer of the MSE wall at Whatapo Bay. There will be 7 layers in total.


	Rail Bridge 217 – Final stages progressing well Our final rail project - at Bridge 217 (parallel to the Tutaekuri Bridge (Waitangi) on SH51) - continues to move steadily toward completion. All corrosion protection work is finished, the new bridge spans are in place, and the old piers have been removed. With these major structural activities wrapped up, our teams are now focused on the last phase of the programme: restoring and stabilising the river berm and installing erosion protection. Pier removal ready for the new span replacements on Rail Bridge 217.


	Rail Bridge 217: River berm restoration The restoration work is progressing well, with crews now carrying out: Excavation across the berm, shaping and preparing the area for long term operation Rock rip rap construction, placing rock armour to protect the bridge piers and abutments against erosion This work will be followed by wetland regeneration planting to support native habitat and improve riverbank health over time. Rockwork going in at Rail Bridge 217.