A key section of State Highway 35 has reopened, restoring the connection between Tairāwhiti and the eastern Bay of Plenty after three weeks of closures caused by severe weather.
The route between Pōtaka and Te Araroa had been shut since heavy rainfall and flooding triggered multiple slips, isolating communities along the stretch.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the February 19 reopening marks a significant step for residents and freight operators in the region.
“NZ Transport Agency crews have been working alongside local contractors since the storm at the end of last month to restore access as quickly, and safely, as possible,” Bishop says.
“While there have been multiple slips along this stretch of state highway, the focus has been on two particular areas – the Waikura slip between Pōtaka and Hicks Bay, and the largest slip of all, the Punaruku slip, closer to Te Araroa.
“A quarter of a million cubic metres of rocks and soil came down in the Punaruku slip, and workers have shifted 25,000 cubic metres of it to restore access.
“Now, NZTA has confirmed the section of SH35 from Pōtaka through to Hicks Bay and around to Te Araroa will be open daily between 7am and 7pm from tomorrow morning. That means people and freight will again be able to travel all the way through to Gisborne.
“Outside those opening times, the road will close again to allow crews to continue working.
“We know how important this is for medical appointments, to replenish supplies and reconnect with family and friends.
“It’s been a tough three weeks for communities stuck in between the cordons, and while there have been limited convoys in place, the work to restore public access is no mean feat. I’d like to thank the community for their patience and support over this period, and East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick for her strong local advocacy.
“I’d also like to thank all the crews who have been working so hard around the clock and in all kinds of weather conditions to make this re-opening possible.
“The road may be open, but it’s still very fragile. Crews will be working on it for some time to come. People travelling through will need to remember to take extreme care – the journey will take longer, the road will be down to single lane in multiple locations, and lower speeds and traffic management will be in place.
“For communities up and down SH35, the sight of hi-vis vests, hard hats and rollers has become all too common since Cyclone Gabrielle. There’s going to be more of that to come and I’m thanking people in advance for their support – it makes all the difference for the crews on the ground.”
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi incident controller Richard Bayley says crews have worked exceptionally hard over the last three weeks to get the road to this point.
“However people travelling through should expect a much slower journey. This stretch of road is still in a fragile state and reduced speeds will be in place, and multiple sites with traffic management in place.
“There’ll also be an 18 tonne weight limit for vehicles. Trucks will be able to drive through but not trucks towing trailers, as the road is too narrow in many places.
“Just like Waioweka Gorge, conditions can change quickly, meaning the road may need to close again at short notice to keep everyone safe. We’re working hard to minimise those disruptions.”
Crews will continue working along the route to clear debris, improve drainage and open culverts to reduce the risk of further slips.
“There are a lot of work sites including five single lane sections with traffic lights. You’ll see a lot of activity on the side of the roads and expect delays of approximately 45 minutes.
Outside of the opening times, the road will close and crews will continue their work.
