Slip repairs delayed at Durie Hill elevator entrance on Anzac Parade
Published on 07 April 2022
Following a land slip, the Durie Hill elevator’s Anzac Parade entrance is now expected to remain closed until Monday, 2 May 2022. In the meantime, a free temporary shuttle service will continue until the end of April.
It was hoped the March slip near this entryway would be repaired in time for the entrance to reopen from this Friday, 8 April, but delays sourcing specialist contractors and equipment to complete the work safely have extended the reopening date.
The shuttle service (details below) will continue on weekdays for school students and Durie Hill residents with the final trips scheduled for the afternoon of Friday, 29 April.
Whanganui District Council property and open spaces general manager, Sarah O’Hagan, says the delay is unfortunate but the narrow accessway and the clearance of trees and other material above the slip requires specialist contractors, including abseilers.
“Staff shortages because of COVID-19 and the current state of emergency in Gisborne, where those highly sought-after contractors are needed in the first instance, have added to the delay.
“We apologise to elevator users who use the facility every day to get to work, to access recreational opportunities or to get to school. They have been patiently waiting for the entrance to reopen. But we want to complete repairs safely, not only for contractors but also the public who would normally use this facility.”
To prepare the work site, the Durie Hill steps will be closed between Anzac Parade and Hipango Terrace from Monday, 11 April to Thursday, 14 April, weather permitting. The section of steps from Hipango Terrance to Blyth Street will remain open.
“We acknowledge that the step closure will affect access for some and affect those who regularly use the steps for exercise. We are keeping the closure to a minimum.”
The elevator has remained open to visitors and sightseers for rides from the upper Blyth Street entrance daily from 10.00am-5.00pm with no through access to Anzac Parade.
Following the Easter holiday weekend, the elevator will close from Tuesday, 19 April for its usual yearly survey and maintenance. The viewing platform above the elevator’s Blyth Street entrance will also be resealed.
Sarah O’Hagan says it’s timely to do this work while slip repairs are being made to avoid further closures. “We’re looking forward to having the elevator and entrance up and running as usual from Monday, 2 May.”
Shuttle details
Monday to Friday (not including weekends and public holidays):
- 8.10am – 9.40am
- 2.30pm – 4.00pm
The shuttle, operated by Tranzit Coachlines, arrives about every 10-15 minutes. This is a FREE service. Bicycles and scooters can be carried on the cycle racks.
Collection and drop-off points:
- Blyth Street, Durie Hill – Top elevator entrance area
- Anzac Parade – Bottom elevator entrance area
Shuttle passengers are required to follow COVID-19 Red level protocols:
- Face masks MUST be worn by all passengers (including children aged 12 and over as this is not a school bus service) unless you have an exemption
- If you’re unwell, please don’t travel