Roading update February 27 and 28
Road works and closures
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝
𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 - We have five pumps running to clear the water, which continues to drop. Progress has slowed due to the debris and sludge. We have an excavator on-site to help remove debris. Work is continuing to reduce silt flows. A temporary farm track is available for residents only (4x4).
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝟑𝟗 - SH39 remains closed between Te Tahi and Ngutunui Roads due to the Mangati Bridge damage. Work on a temporary bridge is underway and expected to be open by mid-March. This will support vehicles up to 50 tonnes and have traffic-controlled lights. A permanent two-lane bridge is being planned so construction can begin later this year.
𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐢 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 – We've installed a single-lane temporary access track and bridge for residents and single unit trucks (no trailers). Strict weight limits (maximum 22 tonnes) and a 10km/h speed restriction apply. The road remains closed to the public.
These measures will stay in place until we can install a permanent replacement culvert. We've removed the old culvert from the stream, which has improved flow and reduced the risk of further erosion.
𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐩𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 –The road remains open in Waipā and Ōtorohanga. It has reopened in Taupō district under limited access only. We recommend using an alternative route if you’re travelling through.
𝐎’𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 – Open to light vehicles only.
𝐁𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 - The bridge is open and safe for resident access only, with a strict 12-tonne weight limit. We’re carrying out a structural assessment to ensure debris and logs haven’t caused any damage.
𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧
𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐮𝐢𝐤𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 – We’re reopening theMangauika Road Bridge from 5pm today, Friday February 27.
There will be a 10km/h speed restriction in place at the site while we continue to monitor the bridge under traffic. Please take it slow and follow all signage.
Further work is planned soon to complete slip repairs (and possible culvert repairs) about 900 metres north of the bridge. That section of Mangauika Road will remain under temporary traffic management.
Our focus at the bridge site will now shift to designing and constructing permanent reinstatement and protection works beneath the bridge, to help protect it from similar flood events in the future.
