Roadworks ramp up this month
Recovery work continues on Coromandel’s roads
The road work programme to repair damage caused by last summer’s extreme weather ramps up in the Coromandel. New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said that stop/go traffic management will be in place at up to six locations around the peninsula, and from mid-march at up to 10 locations. Work will also be carried out on SH2 in the Karangahake Gorge and SH27 at Kaihere.
Waka Kotahi said Coromandel’s highway network remained vulnerable because of the unstable natural environment, so the works were crucial.
While SH25A was closed last year, work across the wider Coromandel highway network was sequenced to minimise further disruption, said regional manager infrastructure delivery Waikato/bay of Plenty Jo Wilton.
“We also paused all but essential activity over the busy summer holiday period to ... give Coromandel residents and visitors a break from recovery works.
“Now the peak summer holiday period is over, and SH25A is carrying its usual volumes of traffic, motorists will see our teams working at numerous sites on SH25 around the peninsula.
“Coromandel’s highway network remains vulnerable because of the unstable natural environment and exposed coastal areas. Repairing the remaining damaged sites as quickly as possible is essential for ensuring
the resilience of the Coromandel.”
Waka Kotahi advised it would use local suppliers and contractors where possible.
Last summer’s storms resulted in 50 major slip sites as well as surface flooding-related damage at multiple locations across the Coromandel highway network, leaving it in a fragile state. During 2023 work was completed at 32 sites along SH25 and SH2. Waka Kotahi teams also prioritised work on SH25A while it was closed to ensure the entire corridor is safe and more resilient.
Traffic on SH25A returned to usual following the reopening of SH25A. Traffic data shows average daily vehicle numbers during the peak holiday period of around 7300 a day – the usual number for that busy time of year.
Recovery and other works under way in February
Work under way to repair an underslip at Wharekaho has so far been tackled off the road, from the bottom of the slip to avoid impacts on traffic. From this week the side
barrier will be moved, reducing the road to a single lane so work can be done on two fronts.
Work also began at the following locations
Te Kouma Hill – repairs to underslips at two locations
Kereta Hill – repairs to underslip
Pumpkin Hill - drainage improvements.
Each of these locations will be reduced to a single lane with stop/ go traffic management in place.
Other work under way around the network includes side barrier installation
at two locations between Whenuakite and Tairua.
The Waka Kotahi project team is also back on site to finish works at SH25A Taparahi. They have removed temporary bracing under the bridge deck and are finishing drainage infrastructure and earthworks. They are also testing the soil nails and progressively dismantling and removing site offices, fences and gates. Once that is complete the material storage area and helipad will be reinstated. There is a temporary speed limit in place to keep our team safe.