Roads update – 24 December 2015
Published on 24 December 2015
24 December 2015
Whanganui River Road
A major focus remains on the Whanganui River Road. The clearing and minor dropout repairs along the lower section of the Whanganui River Road (to Koriniti) are winding down and will be completed by mid-January 2016. Sealing has been completed to close off areas prior to Christmas.
The repairs to the middle portion of the Whanganui River Road between Koriniti and (just short of) Jerusalem, have begun. Particular attention is being taken in attending to a blind corner just south of the Matahiwi Track (37km up the Whanganui River Road) which was created by the weather event. This area has been cut down to have a sight bench so traffic can pass through safely with good visibility. Engineers are putting together a preliminary design for approval by the Council. Crews are presently working on two sites between Matahiwi and Ranana.
Additional investigations are being researched on sites in the upper portion of the Whanganui River Road.
The road north of Jerusalem is now open as the bridge replacement 2km south of Pipiriki is completed.
Field work/investigation
Surveying on Brunswick Road dropouts are nearing completion.
Investigation and fieldwork logging has been completed for the full 55km length of the Whanganui River Road (to the Ruapehu boundary).
Resources
Eighteen heavy machinery crews including subcontractors clearing slips and reforming roadside drainage around the district’s roading network are programmed to start back in January. They will be on the following sections of road:
- Whanganui River Road
- Mangamahu Road
- Papaiti Road
- Rangiora Road
- Fields Track
- Junction Road
- Longacre Road
- Rangitatau East Road
- Siceley Road
- Watershed Road
- Kaiwhaiki Road
Road closures
2WD restrictions
- All open, but caution needed due to slippery surface at Kauarapaoa Road.
Heavy truck and trailer restrictions
- Burrell Road – Closed to heavy traffic with trailer (truck access only)
Projected completion timelines for the following areas
- Matahiwi to Ranana – mid January
- Koroniti to Matahiwi - end of January/mid-February
- Ranana to Jerusalem - end of March
- Jerusalem to the Ruapehu District boundary - end of May
- SH4 to Atene - end of June
The areas above will be completed by the time specified, except for all significant sites which may require additional investigation or engineering design.