Rocky solution after weather horror show in Taranaki
More than 2000 tonnes of rock will protect a South Taranaki stream bank from eroding in severe weather.
The work next to the Heimama Stream bridge, north of punake on State Highway 45, took place after extreme rainfall during Waitangi weekend and the following Saturday and Sunday.
‘‘Fortunately, there was no damage to the bridge itself,’’ Jaclyn Hankin, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency regional manager, said.
‘‘However, if the erosion was to continue, such as in a future weather event, it might affect the bridge abutment.
‘‘Over the past few weeks, our contractors installed 2200 tonnes of rock protection along the affected stream bank to prevent any further erosion and maintain the resilience of this section of SH45.’’
Although the bridge was not damaged, local councillor and farmer Bryan Roach has previously called for it to be replaced, saying it is no longer fit for purpose and too narrow for modern traffic.
During the two weather events, Downer crews responded to more than 50 call-outs ranging from flooding and slips to downed trees and powerlines, Waka Kotahi said.
Taranaki Regional Council rainfall data showed the 27 sites across the region where rainfall is captured received between 178 per cent and 702 per cent of normal rainfall for February, most of it falling in those first two weekends.
Minor damage to two culverts on SH45 near akura is undergoing repair, with the area under temporary traffic management.
A culvert at Waterfall Hill on State Highway 4 is also being assessed for damage.
Meanwhile, Waka Kotahi is looking at long-term solutions to stabilise the Uruti Valley area after a slip in December.
The extreme weather delayed State Highway 3 at Uruti reopening to two lanes.