Media Release
16 January 2007

Temporary Closure of SH57

Transit advises temporary closure of SH57 south of Palmerston North to all traffic.

Transit New Zealand advises motorists that State Highway 57 just south of Palmerston North is closed to all traffic after a dropout undermined the existing approach at Bryan’s Bridge. The road is expected to be open to traffic in approximately two weeks. Motorists are advised to use SH3 through Palmerston North as an alternative route.

“The road was down to one lane after damage caused by water getting into the embankment before Christmas, but now we have been forced to close the road after further slippage that undermined the remaining lane,” says Transit regional manager Errol Christiansen. “Our contractors are working eighteen hours a day to restore both lanes and the road is expected to be open again to traffic in two weeks, with the work to be completed in three.”

Work will involve filling the dropout with rockfill and reinforcing walls. The footway and cycleway are not affected by the incident and will remain open throughout this time.

Transit thanks motorists for their patience and cooperation.

ENDS

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