NZ Transport Agency contractors are starting a complex operation on State Highway 25, just south of Coromandel town, allowing heavy vehicles to use an area affected by a slip below the road.
The subsidence occurred on August 10 restricting traffic to a single lane and excluded trucks because the site is currently unstable.
NZTA regional performance manager Karen Boyt says geotechnical reports and a lot of planning has been undertaken to find a solution.
“The work to be done will involve using an excavator to dig out the bank beside the road. This work requires careful planning and attention to achieve the right outcome, which will enable us to shift traffic onto a safer alignment,” says Boyt.
“The solution will mean all traffic will now be able to use the road,” she says.
Weather permitting, the work is expected to start on Thursday, August 25, and the road should be open to all traffic on Monday.
This work will continue to operate as one-lane with signals controlling traffic until constructing a permanent solution.
NZTA says it appreciates the patience of road users, particularly freight operators and their clients who have been affected by the detour.
Motorists can expect delays of up to ten minutes while the excavation work is taking place.
Drivers may be stopped during parts of the operation, and traffic flows will be monitored to lessen the impact on motorists. Heavy vehicles can use State Highway 25A as an alternative route.
Work is continuing with geotechnical engineers to find a permanent solution for the site.
For real-time information on highway conditions and incidents or to report issues on the network visit – www.nzta.govt.nz
Motorists can also go to www.drivelive.nz
