Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Residents and road users across the top of the South Island can expect to see a hive of activity on state highways as recovery works in the region step up a gear.
Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island/Top of the South, says the public will see more road works on the network.
“We’ve had time to assess the damage and are working through plans for permanent repairs. As these are finalised, work will be implemented.”
“It means drivers will see more road works in the months leading up to Christmas and they’ll need to be ready for them, and the potential travel delays they will bring,” Mr Owen says.
Marlborough
Mr Owen says, compared to Nelson/Tasman, the state highways in Marlborough stood up well were less affected by the bad weather and flooding of June and July – particularly in areas where resilience projects had previously been completed.
“In Marlborough, early works have already begun and will be part of regular state highway summer maintenance season. Starting next week, contractors will be working to fix flood damage on State Highway 63. This includes road scouring at Waihopai, near Guernsey Road.”
“Construction work at Andersons Bridge continues too. We expect the new bridge will be finished and the state highway fully reopened by mid to late October, weather permitting,” Mr Owen says.
The current road diversion and traffic management will remain in place at Andersons Bridge while the project is ongoing.
Nelson/Tasman
Mr Owen says work is also underway in the Nelson and Tasman regions.
“Engineers are assessing multiple sites on State Highway 6 south of Belgrove. This includes rock armouring and barrier work where the Motupiko River has caused damage at Kohatu and near the North Road intersection.”
“Repairs are also planned for two washout sites on State Highway 6 between Kawatiri Junction and Glenhope, and road damage at Coal Creek just south of Owen River,” Mr Owen says.
He says support will also be provided for the removal of storm fallen trees on forestry land near Spooners Saddle. More details on this and its impact on State Highway 6 will be shared once plans are confirmed.
State Highway 60 and the Tākaka Hill is also a major focus. Mr Owen says work here is already underway.
“There are six separate sites on the hill that need urgent attention. Crews are already stabilising the Cooks underslip with deep drilling ahead of the installation of piles and a permanent fix.”
“For the Goodall’s Straight, Riders, and Drummond’s slip sites, detailed investigations and assessments are underway. Meanwhile, Trough Corner, because of its proximity to the Drummond’s slip, will be prioritised for resilience improvements,” Mr Owen says.
Mr Owen signals there is a lot of work to do on the Tākaka Hill and drivers can expect to see work continue into the New Year.
“Our contractors will be working on these sites simultaneously. This reduces the overall length of time the hill will be affected.”
“We’re anticipating that even with all the sites operating at the same time, drivers should only experience 15-minute delays when travelling over the Tākaka Hill,” Mr Owen says.
Meanwhile, in Nelson, he says planning continues for a long-term solution for debris fall affecting the cliff on State Highway 6 Rocks Road.