NZ Transport Agency Tauranga Regional Office

15 February 2013

SH30 at Ruato Bay investigation works completed

State Highway 30 (SH30) Ruato Bay has now reopened to one lane following overnight closures so investigations could be carried out to help determine an effective solution to stabilise the rock face which collapsed last year.

The NZ Transport Agency wishes to say “thank you” to motorists for their patience while the overnight works were undertaken.

“The investigation was a success and all the necessary drilling was completed over two nights a day earlier then expected. This was due to the safe and efficient work of the drilling team, and good weather”, says NZTA’s Bay of Plenty state highways manager, Brett Gliddon.

The large drilling rig used reached up to 10 metres in depth, obtaining necessary information about the rock foundations below that will help with the design of the new road.

Following the investigation, the next process is for the information to be used in developing the final design and then the works tendered to a contractor to carry out the repairs.

It is likely that this construction work will require full closure of the highway, for periods during the day, over some weeks. The full closure is required due to very limited road and construction space available. The permanent repairs are likely to be underway by late April to July 2013; the road will remain a single lane with signalised lights controlling traffic throughout this period.

Mr Gliddon says SH30 is an important link between Rotorua, Kawerau, Whakatane and the wider Eastern Bay of Plenty, it is also a key heavy vehicle route to the Port of Tauranga and ensuring the security of this road is vital for the Bay of Plenty’s economy.

Motorists wanting to find out more about these road works or the detour route should go to the NZTA’s website at www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/current-conditions; or freephone 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).

ENDS

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