Media Release - Waka Kotahi

Clean-up and reinstatement works are continuing across the Waikato following recent extreme weather events.

Contractors have been working hard to restore access to communities that were affected by the impact on the state highway network over the past weeks, says Roger Brady, Bay of Plenty System Manager, Maintenance and Operations.

“Our contractors have responded quickly to the impact of recent weather, and they have really demonstrated their dedication to the communities they serve.

“We have now restored access to the state highway network across the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and through to Tairāwhiti Gisborne, where there has been significant damage.

“While we are in the recovery phase of this work, road users are asked to be mindful that there are a number of sites throughout the region that are under a temporary speed limit, and may also have uneven surfaces. We are working as quickly as possible to resolve these, although for some locations permanent fixes will need to wait for drier weather.”

“Winter is a challenging time to carry out work, and we have crews out regularly monitoring and maintaining the network. Our focus will move towards renewing and resurfacing roads when the drier, warmer weather arrives towards the end of the year.

“Wet weather will continue in coming months, roads may need to be close again at short notice. We recommend road users check the Journey Planner (journeys.nzta.govt.nz) before heading out to ensure they have the latest up-to-date information on road conditions,” says Mr Brady.

SH30 Kōpaki:

A localised drop out between Kōpaki Road and Ohirea Road means temporary traffic lights are in place to control traffic, along with a temporary speed restriction of 30 km/h.

Repairs have been undertaken at a slump near Kōpaki Bridge, this site is under stop/go traffic management between the hours of 7am and 6pm, along with a temporary speed restriction of 30 km/h. Outside these hours the road is closed, due to the potential for continued road movement making the site unsafe when there is low visibility.

Truck drivers are reminded that the existing Kōpaki rail overbridge has a maximum weight limit of 6 tonnes; if compliance with the load restriction doesn’t greatly improve, the potential risk to both road and rail users will force us to close the road to all traffic. The detour route between Maniaiti/Benneydale and Te Kūiti is via Kōpaki Road and State Highway 4.

SH3 Awakino:

A slip has the road down to one lane under stop/go traffic management and a 30km/h temporary speed limit. There are various other slips in the gorge that are currently not affecting traffic, however drivers are asked to drive with caution, and expect delays at the single lane section.

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Some of the above works are weather dependent and may be postponed in the case of poor weather. For up-to-date information on road works, traffic, detours and delays, motorists are encouraged to visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz).

Waka Kotahi thanks motorists for their patience while we complete this essential work to keep the state highways safe and resilient.