Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Ngauranga Gorge will be made safer and more resilient for motorists, cyclists and walkers, with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency starting rockfall mitigation work on Monday 14 December 2020.
To keep everyone safe on their journey south along State Highway 1 through the gorge, crews will undertake work to contain loose material on the steep hill that runs along the corridor.
Regional Transport Systems Manager Mark Owen says the work is part of an ongoing programme of minor works to make the state highway network safer and more resilient.
“From time to time, loose rock and debris falls onto the foot/cycle path and road beneath the Ngauranga Gorge hillside which creates a safety hazard for motorists and cyclists.
“The work will involve crews installing netting and mesh to prevent loose material falling from the hillside and onto the southbound shared path and road.
“This work will require our crews to abseil and work from big heights, which could increase the risk of falling material. To safely carry out this work, we will need to close the shared path and one southbound lane.
“To minimise disruption to traffic, we’re doing this work over the quieter Christmas/New Year holiday period,” Mr Owen says.
The work is being carried out in three phases. The first phase, currently underway, involves clearing the Ngauranga Gorge hill track south of Newlands. From Monday 14 December, crews will begin the second and third phases involving rock scaling, bench clearing, and netting and mesh installation.
The southbound shared path will be closed from Monday 14 December until Sunday 10 January. One southbound downhill left lane will also be closed from Sunday 27 December until Sunday 10 January. A detour will be in place for cyclists and walkers.
“While we have planned these works at the least busy time of year for this route, there may be some days during peak hours over this period when motorists experience congestion and delays. We advise everyone to please plan ahead and allow extra time,” Mr Owen says.
“We’re also reminding motorists to please drive carefully through the work site and stick to the temporary speed limit.”
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