Takaka Hill road fix complete by 2020

An extensive rebuild programme aims to have the damaged Takaka Hill road fully repaired by 2020.

A project report released by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said work would be carried out in two stages.

Ten sites within the current temporary traffic signals would

be stabilised with retaining wall structures and ground stabilisation. The design works for these sites were well under way.

Work on the accessible sites started in September, and was expected to be finished by March.

Five significantly damaged sites within the one-lane area would require more extensive repairs, and construction on those would begin in the second half of 2019.

A long section of the Takaka Hill road was severely damaged by slips triggered by heavy rain during ex-tropical Cyclone Gita in February, which cut off access to Golden Bay for days.

It was reopened down to a single lane in parts after almost $3 million of emergency repairs and the removal of 30,000 cubic tonnes of slip material.

Traffic was initially allowed through in convoys at set times and traffic signals were later installed to control access through two sections of the hill, with up to 12-minute delays at each side.

There had been some problems with the traffic signals in recent days, which NZTA was endeavouring to fix.

The road would remain open 24/7 to all traffic, barring further slips or incidents, the project update said.

Speed restrictions of 30kmh were in place through the onelane areas, and drivers were advised to keep the entrance to Riwaka Valley Rd clear.

NZTA also reminded drivers to turn off car lights while waiting at queue points so vehicle batteries would not go flat.

‘‘Cyclists are able to bike the hill, but we ask that they and all drivers take special care and be aware that people will need to wait if there is a cyclist ahead of them.’’

Motorists encountering a problem with the traffic lights should call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS.