Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is advising people that while contractors are working tirelessly to restore access on State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo, the road remains closed.
Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne Journey Manager Andre Taylor says an increasing number of people have been turning up at the Napier end of the closure, expecting to gain access.
“Currently, the road is open for emergency access only between Bay View and Te Pōhue, and there is controlled access in place for residents and essential supplies only between Te Pōhue and Taupō. Residents require proof of address to get through the closure points.
“Our contractors are working hard to open up key connections on our network as soon as it is possible to do so safely. SH5 has been significantly impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle and contractors from both Taupo and Hawke’s Bay are working incredibly hard to restore access as soon as possible.”
“Waka Kotahi had geotechnical specialists at the slip site at Te Pohue on SH5 site yesterday to conduct a full assessment. This will inform the design and timeline for a fix, and we hope to be in a position to provide further detail later this week. In the meantime, we are constructing an access route alongside the slip to enable access for emergency vehicles.
“Temporary repair work to restore access to Marshall’s Bridge, where the bridge supports were washed out during Cyclone Gabrielle, was completed yesterday. However, there are other sites along SH5 that also need to be made safe before we can provide access to the public.
Mr Taylor says it’s likely the next step for access on this road will be allowing freight convoys through.
“We know how important this connection is to communities in Hawke’s Bay and further afield, and as soon as we’re in a position to reopen the road, we will let everyone know.”
