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Connecting Tairāwhiti
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30 June 2023 |
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24/7 travel confirmed for SH2 Gisborne to Ōpōtiki from TuesdayThe timing of State Highway 2’s reopening between Gisborne and Ōpōtiki has now been confirmed. The stretch of highway between Matawai and Ormond sustained significant damage as a result of last weekend’s heavy rainfall with slips, debris and movement in the road. SH2 will reopen 24/7 from Tuesday morning at 5am (4 July). Road users will be piloted through the area daily by our contractor between 7am and 5pm. Outside of those times, the road will remain open and will be actively controlled by traffic lights. Waka Kotahi Hawke’s Bay / Tairāwhiti Journey Manager Andre Taylor says someone on site every night will be closely monitoring the road for any changes or safety concerns. "If there is more movement in the road for example, the traffic light sequencing will be changed to ensure travel is restricted and motorists need to be prepared for the road to close at short notice. "There’s a balance between opening the road for as many road users as possible and ensuring people’s safety after the persistent and heavy rain severely impacted the road. "This road offers a vital link between the East Coast and upper North Island and it’s crucial for communities who live on the East Coast and for freight accessing the region," says Mr Taylor. "Contractors will still be working in a number of places along SH2 clearing debris and stablilising slips, so the message for road users is the same – drive to the conditions, expect delays and the potential for a closure at short notice." |
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Cyclone damaged Hikuwai no. 1 bridge to be removed in JulyThe cyclone-damaged Hikuwai No.1 bridge on State Highway 35 north of Gisborne will be completely dismantled and transported away next month. The Bailey bridge was opened earlier this month replacing the Hikuwai no. 1 bridge north of Tolaga Bay which was destroyed by Cyclone Gabrielle. Waka Kotahi Hawke’s Bay / Tairāwhiti System Manager Martin Colditz says the bridge will close at 7am Monday 17 July and reopen at 5am Thursday 27 July. "During this time, the Pourau Road Bypass will remain open and we’re reminding road users to expect delays and plan their journey." "During the closure, the crane will be disassembled and moved to the northern side of the river to remove the existing 31 metre long beams from the old bridge. These beams currently sit upstream from the Bailey bridge and removing them now will remove any risk they may damage the Bailey bridge in future weather events. "At the same time, crews will complete the surfacing of the approaches at either end of the bridge, making it safer for road users and better able to withstand traffic demands and adverse weather. "We acknowledge a ten-day closure will be frustrating, especially so soon after opening the bridge. We also want to reiterate our thanks to road users for their support during both the construction period and during the closure, while these works to improve the resilence and reliability of journeys on the East Coast are completed," says Mr Colditz. Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:
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