Roading update - 12 August 2015
Published on 12 August 2015
12 August 2015
Latest information following last weekend’s rain:
- Kai Iwi Valley Road is open again following slip clearing during the last three days. However, any further rain may affect the road.
- Watershed Road, Mangamahu Road (Aranui Station), Rangiora Road and Kauarapaoa Road are all open again following temporary closures.
- Minor additional overslips on Whanganui River Road have been cleared up (clear to Jerusalem).
There are 20 heavy machinery crews clearing slips and reforming roadside drainage around the district’s roading network. Seven of the heavy machinery crews are working on the Whanganui River Road.
In addition, we are undertaking extensive culvert clearing and running sweeper trucks continuously to clean the slippery surface while the sporadic rain leaches material across carriageways. Much of the bulk slip material heaped up on the sides of roads (in order to quickly punch single lane access) is now being cleared to widen out to full carriageway for the safety of locals.
The remaining heavy machinery crews are working on:
- Watershed Road (2 crews)
- Ahu Ahu Valley Road (2 crews)
- Makirikiri Valley Road (2 crews)
- Creek Road (1 crew)
- Fields Track (1 crew)
- Kaukatea Valley Road (1 crew)
- Kauarapaoa Road (1 crew)
- Matatara Road (1 crew)
- Kaikokopu Road (1 crew)
- Tokomaru East Road (1 crew)
Road closures
- Whanganui River Road – north of Jerusalem.
- Ahu Ahu Valley Road (last 3km) – not expected to be open until later this week.
- Kaiwhaiki Road (last 1km) – affects only one house at the end of the road.
- No.3 Line (bridge) from kerb end to Kaimatira Road – open to one lane (controlled via “Priority Rules”).
- Mt View Road – uphill section only past no. 49. Can be accessed from Georgetti Road.
4x4 access only
- Watershed Road
- Creek Road (last 4km)
- Bruce Road
- Matahiwi Track
2WD but extreme caution needed due to slippery surface
- Junction Road
- Longacre Road
- Kaikokopu Road (gravel section only)
- Matarawa Valley Road
- Kauarapaoa Road
- Rangiora Road
- Whanganui River Road – from start to Jerusalem. However, while the road is officially open, it should be used only when necessary and campervans are advised to use an alternative route north. If travelling on this road is absolutely necessary then people must drive at safe speeds for the conditions and take additional care in wet weather.
All other roads in the district are open and available to 2WD, cars etc. Truck and trailer contractors who wish to gain access to rural roads are advised to phone the Wanganui Alliance for an update. All rural roads remain slippery with any significant rain.