Gorge gouge delays again
"We simply can't reopen the road before it is safe for people to use." Ross I'anson, NZ Transport Agency highway manager
A crumbling retaining wall has gouged out a chunk of road in the Manawatu Gorge, thwarting hopes it would reopen to one lane by the end of the week.
State Highway 3 through the gorge will remain closed for at least another week after the damage was discovered under a slip near the Ashhurst end.
The development is the latest in a string of delays to the reopening of the gorge, which has been closed since April 24 when a large slip covered both lanes.
A smaller slip that also fell about the same time was cleared, and it was hoped the road would reopen on May 18, but more rock fall on May 14 scuttled that plan.
NZ Transport Agency highway manager Ross I’anson said the damaged retaining wall, on the river side of the road, was discovered after slip material was cleared near Kerry’s Wall, 4.5 kilometres from the Ashhurst turnoff.
The area had been the site of multiple slips since April 24.
Structural engineers had determined the stretch of damaged road must be replaced, and recent rain had made the area even more unstable.
‘‘In its current state, the width of usable road surface at this slip site is very narrow. We would need to have vehicles passing directly under the slip while the work is carried out, which would pose unacceptable safety risks for road users.’’
Shipping containers would be used as a temporary barrier and provide a protection zone for workers replacing the wall.
‘‘At this stage, the repairs are not expected to be completed before the end of next week. But, as soon as the repairs are done and it is safe for traffic to use the road, it will be reopened, initially to a single lane at the slip sites,’’ I’anson said.
‘‘We know how frustrating this news will be for people, and we know how vital this route is for the region, but we simply can’t reopen the road before it is safe for people to use.’’
SH3 through the gorge is the main link between Manawatu and the eastern regions of the North Island. The Pahiatua Track and the Saddle Rd are the only alternative routes while repairs to the road are carried out.