Access for residents, Tararuas restored
The reopening of Otaki Gorge Rd after seven months is welcome news for trampers – and even better news for cut-off residents David and Kathleen Campbell.
The couple live about a kilometre past the slip at Blue Bluff that closed the road to Otaki Forks in December.
Before Friday’s reopening, the Campbells have scaled a hill to gain access to Otaki Gorge Rd. They walked from their house to a four-wheel-drive track, where one of their cars was parked.
At the end of the track they reached a friend’s home, where they got changed and swapped cars. The journey took between an hour and 90 minutes each way.
During the works, a vehicle was hired to the family, then half the costs for a purchase were provided.
Twice a helicopter dropped supplies for the couple and their animals during the works.
David Campbell said Kapiti Coast District Council made the right decision to close the road, despite the inconvenience.
‘‘It had been fall and scrape, fall and scrape, one day closed, three days closed. It was a disaster waiting to happen.’’
‘‘Council were cautious.’’
He said that, after 16 years living there, they never thought of super- heading elsewhere.
‘‘It was suggested, but it’s home. We’ve got ducks, we’ve got hens, we’ve got two sheep we’re looking after.
‘‘We didn’t want the leave the place for a month, for someone to do mischief.’’
The pair run a prayer retreat, The Gate, from their home. With reduced access, visitor numbers fell, but Campbell said he expected them to rise again now.
Council roading network performance team leader Neil Williams said he was glad to finish the job.
‘‘It’s fantastic. This is the gateway to the Tararuas, and it’s fantastic we can open that.’’
A design incorporating four batter slopes and three benches, reducing the slope’s angle, has been used for the site.
The top of the reinforced area is made of silty soil, while greywacke and seams of argilite form the bottom. Concrete barriers have also been placed on either side of the road.
The area will be inspected by council every three months, or after a major storm.
DOC’s 5.1km temporary track, allowing trampers access to Otaki Forks, has been closed.