SH1 above Kaitaia closed for days
AUCKLAND: State Highway 1 north of Kaitaia will remain closed until at least the middle of this week, the NZ Transport Agency says.
The NZTA said it was working as quickly as possible to get one lane open after the washout that closed the road on Friday afternoon.
The washout, south of Pukenui between Whalers and Lamb Rds, created a hole in the road about 20m wide and 4m to 5m deep.
‘‘There is a significant workforce and heavy lifting equipment on site and we are working to have one lane open to traffic as soon as possible but that is unlikely to be before the middle of next week,’’ the agency’s Northland system manager, Jacqui HoriHoult, said.
More rain is forecast for the region and the NZTA said this could affect progress.
‘‘The conditions road workers are facing are challenging and they will only work in daytime hours for safety reasons.’’
The NZTA and the Far North District Council are advising against motorists driving on 90 Mile Beach or unsealed private roads through the forest.
‘‘Drivers travelling on the beach or through the forest do so at their own risk, and drivers should be aware that the forest route will be degraded quickly as vehicles pass along it,’’ Ms HoriHoult said.
‘‘These are high risk options for drivers and their vehicles if they are not experienced at driving in these conditions.’’
The agency is working closely with Civil Defence, emergency services and local authorities on a response to support those in the area who may be affected by the road closure.
Telecommunications in the Far North have been affected by the slip.
Spark said a piece of fibre cable owned by lines company Chorus had been damaged in the washout.
A spokeswoman said it was affecting a couple of cell sites and a small number of land lines and broadband lines.
A Chorus technician has been sent out to see what can be done.
Vodafone and 2degrees customers may also be affected.
Meanwhile, a dropin centre for people stranded by the slip has been set up in Pukenui.
The Houhora Big Game & Sports Fishing Club has been opened for anyone who needs help, but noone turned up overnight, Civil Defence spokesman Bill Hutchinson said.
Civil Defence would provide information as tourists started heading south, likely to happen midmorning, he said.