5 April 2013

Blessing marks completion of highway project at Waioeka Gorge

The completion of the highway reinstatement project was formally marked by a blessing conducted by Tuhoe elders along State Highway 2 at Waioeka Gorge.

Attended by Local Member of Parliament for the East Bay of Plenty, Anne Tolley the moving blessing marks the end of 24 weeks of work to have a section of the highway closed by a large slip fully reopened.

At the event, State Highways Manager Brett Gliddon said the work was completed ahead of schedule and will provide improved security from potential large slips.

“The rock fall barrier at the base of the cliff will help to reduce large volumes of material from ending up on the road during a slip, this will help to minimise road closures.”

The NZTA spent $8.5 million to have the highway reopened, included in this figure is the emergency response and temporary road construction cost.

Also in attendance were local mayors and representatives from Opotiki District Council and Gisborne District Council, members of the transport association and other local authority representatives.

Mr Gliddon says despite the many challenges faced by the project team when the large slip occurred in early March last year, they – contractor Downer NZ Limited and consultants Opus International –remained committed to getting the road reopened so things could get back to ‘business as usual’.

“Stabilising that cliff face was an ongoing battle at the start, with an active cliff face, it was difficult to predict where and when material may fail. We were fortunate to have a great team of experts and workers who were passionate about this job and who understood the geographic nature of the landscape and area, it helped to get things moving.”

Landscaping of the site will occur in May says Mr Gliddon, when the weather is more suited to this type of work.

Find the latest transport news, information, and advice on our website: www.nzta.govt.nz

ENDS