Maintenance work on the Manawatu Gorge continues

Road workers return to the Manawatu Gorge this month to clear debris that’s accumulated at the site of the huge 2011 slip.

The New Zealand Transport Agency advised contractors would start maintenance work at the site on Monday, February 13 and should be completed by April.

NZTA highway manager Ross I’anson said they now needed to clear some of debris from the 2011 and 2012 slips to prevent it from reaching and potentially blocking the road.

‘‘As the work is being carried out on the slip itself, we’ll be able to keep the Manawatu Gorge road open during most of the maintenance work.

‘‘To help keep motorists safe, the contractors will have a team member at road level who will be able temporarily close the road if required,’’ I’anson said.

Previous stories done bythe Manawatu Standard show the slip in 2011 was not the first to take the gorge out of action.

In 1980, the Ministry of Works used explosives to clear debris on the road after heavy rain caused slips.

In 1995, three slips closed the road for about 67 days and almost $3 million was spent on clearing about 90,000 cubic metres of debris.

Whenthe road did open, traffic was restricted to one lane in places.

With the recent work being carried out between 6am and 6pm, the road would be down to one lane at times but the main Manawatu Gorge Track would stay open to walker during that time.

However, the track from the Whatonga sculpture to the ‘big slip’ lookout would be closed for the duration of the work.

‘‘We ask that people using the Manawatu Gorge Track stay on the marked track, and be aware that there is heavy machinery operating in the area.

‘‘We’ll have signage and, during working hours, people in place at the intersection of the Manawatu Gorge and Big Slip Lookout tracks to ensure that walkers can use and cross the tracks safely.’’

While the work was being done I’anson said they would also be doing work on the netting

‘‘This work will require temporary traffic management, including short term stop/go, and lower speed limits,’’ I’anson said.

For more information about the road maintenance work phone 0800 4HIGHWAYS or visit the NZTA website.