State Highway 4 update

Moving to COVID-19 Alert Level 3

Previously under Alert Level 4 we continued essential maintenance and management of SH4 to ensure the efficient and safe movement of goods and to support lifeline functions. Now with the move into Alert Level 3 on Tuesday, you'll likely see an increase in this maintenance work, with staff still maintaining strict health and safety protocols for the protection of workers and road users.  

When driving through worksites please continue to be patient and respectful and look out for the worksite contractor’s safety and wellbeing. These people are stepping outside of their bubbles to do vital work to keep us safe.

You'll also see work on capital projects that stopped during Alert Level 4 start again.

During Alert Level 3, work on capital projects that were stopped under Alert Level 4 can re-commence. Some activity onsite can start straight away; however, it'll take some time for sites and projects to be fully operational. And please be mindful that travel restrictions between the regions may also impact some projects due to a limited workforce.

With New Zealand moving out of COVID-19 Alert Level 4 and into Alert Level 3, you’re also likely to see an increase in activity on the roads. However, the message to the public remains the same – please avoid any non-essential travel, keep all travel local, obey the road rules, and always drive to the conditions.

SH4 site update

1. Te Oreore Underslip

All the physical work on the temporary road has been completed. This section continues to operate with a 30km/h speed limit.
Instrument monitoring and reporting for the site has continued.

There will be a continued focus on monitoring Te Oreore during the winter period.

2. Raukawa Falls

The land acquisition, design and consent application processes are all underway. Over the period of lockdown the Ruapehu and Whanganui District Councils were unable to accept consent applications, so we’ve given priority to environmental effects and regional consents over this time.

3. Whiskey’s Corner

Tree felling has been completed and earthworks were planned to be completed by the end of March prior to the nationwide lockdown. This work is currently being rescheduled but it’s hoped work on this site can be completed quickly after COVID-19 restrictions have been removed.

4. South Raupiu Retreat

With recent developments in relation to COVID-19 and the impact on the overall corridor program, we expect the start date for this project to change slightly. Design is currently being reviewed by Waka Kotahi.

5. Otoko Pā Overslip

All earthworks, drainage and slip-related work, and pavement preparation had been completed on the Otoko Pā Overslip site.

This site is ready for sealing, although due to the COVID-19 Alert Level 4 this work had to be put on hold. The program for this site is currently being revised, but we expect that once work does restart on the site there will only be a further 3 to 5 days work before the project is completed.

6. Hapokopoko Curve Rock

Work on the consent process continues with this site with the ecology report currently awaiting approval. Construction was expected to start in March 2020 before lockdown put this work on hold. With COVID-19 restrictions expected to loosen soon, a new completion date of late September has been set.

7. Kukuta Underslip

The project construction design is still in its early stages for the Kukuta Underslip site, with COVID-19 restrictions placing limitations on this. The consent application process is underway. The site remains under one-way traffic lights.

Prepare your vehicle for winter

Winter is coming so it's a good time to prepare your vehicle for those colder months.

Get your vehicle checked out when you can. It's important for your safety and the safety of others using the road that you maintain good tyre tread depth, lights, brakes, cooling systems, demisters, wiper blades and battery.

Also check that your spare tyre and tools are all in good working order.

And remember to keep your windscreen and windows clean – inside and out. It might be a good idea to keep a cloth and window cleaner in the vehicle. 

Media

The media contact for SH4 for NZ Transport Agency is:

Jasmine Higginson

E: Jasmine.Higginson@nzta.govt.nz

More information

For more information on the SH4 Whanganui to Raetihi repairs project, visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/sh4-repairs