Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Waka Kotahi is taking action on all fronts to restore access in and out of Tokomaru Bay as quickly as possible.
The priority is to open emergency access and lifelines to isolated communities. The next step will be to enable people to move safely in and out of their communities and to support economic recovery in the area by securing access for local industry, including farmers, horticulture and forestry.
Waka Kotahi Regional Manager Maintenance and Operations, Jaclyn Hankin, says there are two key focal points on State Highway 35 to reconnect Tokomaru Bay.
“The first is Hikuwai Bridge, which was severed in Cyclone Gabrielle. The temporary solution here is the installation of a Bailey Bridge with planning well-underway, alongside local iwi and landowners. Construction is expected to take around eight weeks once it gets underway.”
Waka Kotahi is also providing input into a locally-led initiative to construct a temporary private road.
“There has been an initial assessment for geotechnical risks, and we continue to offer advice on safety, as well as working with Gisborne District Council on legal requirements,” says Ms Hankin.
“We are supportive of anything that is going to enable access through these affected areas, provided it is safe for those building, operating and using the road.”
“To the north of Tokomaru Bay, a slip and river erosion has damaged the highway through the Mangahauini Gorge. A locally-constructed bypass around the gorge is currently being assessed by our teams and should take around three weeks to complete.”
Waka Kotahi will continue to work closely with local government, iwi and other partners over the coming weeks to restore temporary access as quickly as can be done so safely.
“We recognise how important these connections are for the people who live and work along the East Coast and it’s been fantastic to see the resilience and ingenuity of the communities along SH35 – we are committed to working with them as more permanent access solutions are developed in the coming weeks and months,” Ms Hankin says.
