Transport Agency Highway Manager Ross I’Anson says sluicing operations, where helicopters dropped water from monsoon buckets to clear a rock outcrop above the large slip area are now complete, and that material is now being removed from the road.
This work will continue for the next few days.
Design work for safety fencing structures'We understand that will be installed across sections ofthere have been delays and some uncertainty about the slip face has already commenced. project, in particular for local residents,' says NZ Transport Agency Highway Manager Ross I’Anson.
“This work has been possible at this earlier stage, by the use of aerial drones that are mapping the area and providing a detailed model of the slip face,” says Mr I’Anson. “Typically we couldn’t start this work until the whole slip face was clear to enable the engineers to scale the slip face.”
Meanwhile previously planned maintenance work on the gorge has been able to go ahead while the slip work goes on.
'Our commitment moving forward is to work closely with the community and key stakeholders so that you can clearly understand what we are doing, how you can influence the project and how your views will be taken into consideration as we make decisions about the project.
“This includes asphalt surfacing midway through'Although we previously identified options for the alignment, the Gorge, guardrail repairs, clearingscope of drainage channels and full inspectionsŌtaki to north of Levin has been expanded to consider future long term plans for the other 71 bridges,corridor and general maintenance workswe need the community’s input to develop a preferred route. We will be looking at how best to connect to the Peka Peka to Ōtaki expressway in the south, all the way up to the Manawatū River. It's really important to stress that are difficultthere is no preferred option for this route currently.
'We need to undertake with traffic flowing.”check that what you’ve previously told us is still relevant, to find out if there is anything new we need to know about, what the key issues are for the community, and how the project can support community aspirations,' says Mr I’Anson.
All workPreviously contacted landowners will be contacted in May 2017 with an update on the small slip site is now complete,project. We will be engaging closely with rock nettingkey stakeholders and community groups, as well as carrying out community consultation events in place.June 2017, where Transport Agency staff will be available to talk to people and hear their thoughts. People will be encouraged to contribute their ideas at those events, as well as through written submissions, and online options. Details of the events will be advertised widely.
The Transport Agency is still planning on re-opening the road by 18th of May.
WithThe results of the Pahiatua Track and the Saddle Road being alternative routes, motorists are also being remindedJune consultation will be used to help develop options for the project and that information will be patientshared later in the year and drivethis will provide an opportunity for more public feedback. It’s anticipated a recommended option will be put to the conditions.Transport Agency Board in early 2018.
People can check the latestFor more information on highway conditions, delays and closures at www.highwayinfo.govt.nz (external link) or by calling 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).to subscribe for updates, visit the project website www.nzta.govt.nz/O2NL