Repair work to begin on collapsed culvert
Desperately needed repairs to a culvert which collapsed under one of Taranaki’s main highways will begin later this month – more than a year after it was washed out by floods.
The New Zealand Transport Agency has announced that it is planning to invest $750,000 to fix the pipe under State Highway 3 near Egmont Village after it was seriously damaged during heavy rain in August last year.
Speed restrictions and narrower lanes marked out by road cones have been in place ever since.
Preliminary work is expected to start on October 29 and is expected to be completed early in 2019, weather permitting.
The announcement was welcomed by New Plymouth Mayor Neil Holdom, who in August wrote an open letter to Transport Minister Phil Twyford lamenting the lack of action to fix the culvert.
‘‘The work’s completion can’t come soon enough for us,’’ Holdom, who met with NZTA chief executive Fergus Gammie and chair Michael Stiassny in September, said.
‘‘I was really refreshed with Stiassny’s approach and I think that getting some news on that culvert shows that he is a person who can make things happen.’’
Holdom said the announcement would be appreciated by everyone who used the highway.
‘‘This piece of work is vital for keeping everyone safe on this busy stretch of state highway and I also look forward to working with NZTA on improving another dangerous road, part of the state highway between New Plymouth and Waitara.
‘‘Let’s hope this news is part of a range of announcements that we can expect from the NZTA over the next few months.’’
NZTA Taranaki transport system manager, Ross I’Anson, said the culvert would be extended back to its original length.
‘‘The extension will be quicker to build than other potential solutions, provide less disruption to people using this busy state highway and ensure clear passage remains for the stream,’’ I’Anson said.
‘‘It was clear action needed to be taken to address this issue in Taranaki so we are moving forward with the plan now with work starting soon.’’
During construction motorists would continue to be able to use the existing State Highway but there could be some delays.
The first stage would involve clearing tracks and site preparation.
Most of the second stage work involved prefabrications and would take place offsite.
Installation of the culverts was scheduled to commence in January to ensure it was carried out outside the fish spawning season.
The National Land Transport Plan 2018-2021 forecasts $302 million would be spent in Taranaki and the investment to expected to deliver a safer, better connected and more resilient transport system.
‘‘This piece of work is vital for keeping everyone safe on this busy stretch of state highway.’’ New Plymouth Mayor Neil Holdom