The NZ Transport Agency is advising that SH4 between Whanganui and Raetihi is scheduled to re-open at 4pm today (Wednesday March 7) following the installation of roadside barriers at a high risk slip site two kilometres south of Fields Track.

NZTA Regional Transport Systems Manager Ross I’Anson says travel will be restricted to a single lane at the site while work is undertaken to remove unstable material above the road, with stop-go traffic controls in place.

The unstable material was identified during a regularly scheduled geotechnical inspection earlier this week, and the road has been closed since 5pm Monday while a more detailed inspection has been undertaken to determine how to safely remove the material.

The roadside barriers will protect motorists from falling material while the work is undertaken to remove it. The work is expected to be completed by mid-May, weather depending.

Mr I’Anson says SH4 through the Paraparas has several bluffs along its length made up of papa, which is particularly susceptible to weathering. The Transport Agency regularly monitors these bluffs as part of an ongoing geotechnical inspection regime for the road.

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