State Highway 2 Through Karangahake Gorge Now Reopen to Two Lanes

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) says work to repair the shoulder of State highway 2 through the Karangahake Gorge near Waihi is almost complete, with the road reopened to two lanes at 3.00pm today.

NZ Transport Agency Operations Manager, Karen Boyt says the work involved repairing a retaining wall along the shoulder of State Highway 2 at Waikino, which was damaged during recent storm events.

The work which started on Monday will be predominately completed today, sealing of the shoulder is expected to take place mid next week (weather dependent), she says a temporary speed restriction will be in place until the shoulder is sealed.

“We do ask drivers to take care if travelling through this area until the road is sealed, it is important they follow the posted temporary speed limit," says Ms Boyt.

She says driver's should always check road conditions before setting off on their travel by going to  the NZTA’s website which is regularly updated with information about most closures and detours at www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic.  This information is also available by phoning the NZTA’s free phone on 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49), which can also be used to report any significant road issues or hazards which people may come across during their travels.

The NZTA also uses other technology to provide information to enable drivers to make better informed choices about their travel.  On The Move is a free service which enables people to sign up for information about crashes, road works and driving conditions on their frequently used routes - to sign up, go to www.onthemove.govt.nz.  

ENDS