13 August 2012 – 5.45pm

State highway 29 (Kaimais) now open

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is advising motorists that State Highway 29 over the Kaimais, which was closed earlier today due to the risk of rocks falling on the highway, is now open to one lane.

Bay of Plenty state highway manager, Brett Gliddon, says following the heavy rain overnight, rocks on the Ruahihi Bluffs (approximately 17km west of Tauranga near the Ruahihi Power Station) were undermined. One lane of the highway is now open, and stop/go traffic management is in place. An earth bund has been put in place to protect road users and prevent further rock falls from encroaching on the highway.

“Contractors have worked hard to clear unstable rocks and get the road open as quickly as possible. Workers will be on site through the night managing the stop/go and a 30km/hr speed restriction is in place. We ask motorists to reduce their speed and take extreme care when travelling through the site,” he said.

“The NZTA will continue to closely monitor all roads within the area with heavy rain due to continue to fall during the next few days. If drivers must travel we urge that they take extreme care on the highways, drive to the conditions, and allow more time so that they can reach their destination safely," he said.

Contractors will reassess the bluffs tomorrow to decide if more rocks need to be removed.

Mr Gliddon says before starting their journeys people should check with the NZTA's freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or 0800 44 44 49, or its website www.highwayinfo.govt.nz for up-to-the-minute info on road conditions.

ENDS

© Scoop Media