Welcome to the Twelveth issue of our….

State Highway 2 Waioeka Gorge Slip update

State Highway 2 (SH2) through the Waioeka Gorge remains closed following large slips that occurred on Friday 2 March and Saturday 3 March. Approximately 80,000 cubic metres of slip material came down on Saturday 3 March at about 5.00pm.

The slip face continues to be unstable, however some machines and workers are working around the slope edges removing material and constructing the temporary diversion route which we hope open soon.

In this issue:

• Operation update
• Temporary diversion route underway..

Operation update
The sluicing operation carried on from Friday through to Saturday, but rain hampered activity on Sunday. With the tree stumps removed, the sluicing activity has picked up tremendously with 75% material removed from this middle Zone 2 area. Approximately 29,000 cubic metres of material has been removed from the slip area overall .

The concrete blocks that were installed in the Opato Stream to provide protection for the temporary road seal from scouring has been difficult to place in some areas due to the force of the stream, boulders from further down the stream have been used to provide stability to the concrete blocks .

Assessment today by geologists of the middle rocky outcrop in Zone 2 has identified that this material has moved considerably from its original profile. This is the area where we have been, and are still , concerned about stability. This material which still contains about 20,000 cubic metres of material has moved in a 60 degree angle and is now situated overhanging above the state highway seal, previously it was higher up the slope. The geologists are still assessing and will determine tomorrow whether more work is required to provide more stability to this mass area, or whether it is relatively stable in its new location.

Temporary diversion route

A traffic management plan has been prepared to manage access through this road when it is open ed for traffic. The road is likely to be open during daylight hours from 7.00am to 6.30pm, more information regarding this temporary route will be made available as soon as we announce the exact opening of this road.

The concrete blocks installed to provide protection for the temporary road surface has progressed with some challenges due to the force of the stream which have now been resolved using boulders to support the blocks. . The mass blocks are working well to support the toe of the temporary road.

The construction of the temporary road is likely to be completed soon, however the slip face still needs to be stabilised before we can open this road, once our geologists have advised that they are confident that this middle mass area is stable, then we will be in a position to announce when this temporary route will be opened .

Tomorrow's issue
Associate Minister for Transport Chris Tremain will visit the slip site tomorrow along with Gisborne District Council and Opotiki District Council. We will provide you with a report of this site visit in our next issue.

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

ENDS

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