Takaka Hill opening hours extended for an additional two hours a day

The badly damaged Takaka Hill will be open to convoys for an extra hour in the morning and evening from today.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said the restricted convoys would now operate from 6–8am and 5–7pm.

The Sunday open hours from 8am to 5pm would remain the same.

The road was badly damaged during ex-cyclone Gita three weeks ago.

The agency is working towards opening the road without the need for convoys after the Easter holiday period.

It will be open all day during Easter to allow holiday makers to access the bay.

NZTA’s system manager Frank Porter, said he understood how ‘‘vital the road was as a lifeline’’ for Golden Bay residents.

‘‘We are doing everything possible to improve access.

‘‘We need to balance the need to keep the road open as much as possible with the need to fully rebuild it.’’

Porter said the lunchtime essential freight convoy with daily permits would continue.

‘‘We are also pleased to allow commercial bus and shuttle services to make the lunchtime trip as of this week, so long as they comply with the length restrictions,’’ he said.

‘‘This will ease up access for some people who want to travel out of Golden Bay at lunchtime and come back in the evening on the same passenger service.’’

Pedestrian or cycle access is not allowed, but bike transport through local bus or transport services could be arranged.

Vehicles towing caravans up to 7m, trailers and boats could now use the road during the convoy times.

Larger trucks and truck and trailer units are not permitted.

Over the Easter holiday period, the road will be open 8am to 5pm from Good Friday to Easter Monday.

On Thursday night, March 29, opening was likely to be later than from 5pm to 7pm.

After Easter, Porter said it was aiming to open up the road to be used without convoys, outside of the daytime construction work from 8am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, including overnight.