Roading updates - Tuesday, February 24

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃

𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 - Our crews have been working hard to lower water levels so they can clear the blocked culvert.

Water levels are now about four metres below the road surface. We have five pumps running, 24-hours a day, and expect to reach the top of the culvert today.

Once the water is fully drained, we’ll assess the culvert inlet and plan how to safely remove debris without causing further damage. It will be a delicate operation. We need to remove the silt and debris carefully to prevent collapse. If that were to happen, it would be a major repair and road access could take many weeks or even months.

All going well, our aim is to restore access for local single lane traffic by the end of next week.

Traffic management will remain in place in the weeks ahead at the site while we undertake further resilience work to repair the downstream side of the road embankment.

𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐮𝐢𝐤𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 – Residents can access the road from either end. The single lane bridge is currently inaccessible. We’re nearly halfway through the sheet piling and bridge support work – we’re working towards reopening it by the start of next week.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐢 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 – A single-lane temporary access track and bridge is installed for use by residents and single unit trucks (no trailers). There are strict weight restrictions (22 tonne maximum), and 10 km/hr speed restrictions. These will be in place until a permanent replacement culvert can be installed.The road is still closed to the public. An old culvert has been removed from the stream, which has lowered the water level, helped the water flow more smoothly, and reduced the risk of further erosion.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝟑𝟗 - SH39 remains closed between Te Tahi and Ngutunui Roads due to the Mangati Bridge damage. A long-term detour is in place via Te Awamutu. Follow the NZTA journey planner for detours and updates.

𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍

𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐩𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 –The road remains open in Waipā and Ōtorohanga. The road has reopened in Taupō district under limited access only. It is recommended to use an alternative route if you’re travelling through.

𝐎’𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 – The road is open to light vehicles only.

𝐁𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 - The bridge is open and safe for resident access only. A more detailed assessment will be done once the water level drops.