Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Work will now begin to progress improvements at two flood-prone sections of state highway in Tairāwhiti.
Two stretches of state highway will be upgraded – State Highway 2 (SH2) at Nesbitt’s Dip and State Highway 35 (SH35) at Rototahe.
Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC), on behalf of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), will continue to work closely with Iwi, hapū and property owners as design is progressed.
TREC Project Manager Richard Bayley says the upgrades will see these stretches of highways raised and drainage improved, boosting resilience and minimising the risk of future flooding.
“Both stretches of highway have been highlighted as critical lifeline areas by emergency responders, Iwi and hapū, and communities.
“Nesbitt’s Dip at Te Karaka on SH2 is a crucial link for freight between Bay of Plenty and the East Coast. Improving the resilience of this area is essential for communities along this state highway and for daily freight travel.
“In addition, improving the stretch of SH35 at Rototahe continues to boost the resilience, safety and ultimately the efficiency of the coastal state highway.”
These two important projects will be delivered within existing recovery funding and add to the work being done on both highways, at Otoko Hill on SH2 and at Hikuwai and Mangahauini on SH35.
Kaitiaki of Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Pimia Wehi, says the decision to improve SH2 at Nesbitt’s Dip is greatly appreciated by the people of Te Karaka, Puha and Whatatutu and the Iwi of Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki.
“This excellent TREC decision will reduce the road closures caused by seasonal flooding in this area and give communities more time to evacuate during major weather events.”
“These essential repairs at Nesbitt’s Dip and Rototahe represent a significant step towards enhancing the resilience of Tairāwhiti’s state highway network, alongside all the recovery work being delivered in the region,” says Mr Bayley.
Photos of the SH35 Rototahe site during the June flooding this year:
