Emotional journey when road reopens

Kaiko¯ ura residents will have a chance to get a quick preview of the road north before it opens to the public in midDecember.

The North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery (NCTIR) alliance are giving Kaiko¯ ura residents a chance to see a section of the highway between Mangamaunu and Half Moon Bay via two 4WD buses dubbed the NCTIR Express.

State Highway 1 between Kaiko¯ura and Picton has been closed since the magnitude-7.8 earthquake brought down thousands of tonnes of rocks on to the road and rail corridor last November.

When the road opens on December 15 several sites will still be under construction and the route will be closed at night.

Stakeholder engagement manager Mike Seabourne said NCTIR had always planned to give locals a sneak preview of the construction work.

‘‘It’s important for us to bring the community back first before we open the road to the general public. The Kaiko¯ ura community has been extremely patient and supportive while our 1700-strong team has been busy working to get the rail, harbour and SH1 open.’’

The NCTIR Express will travel through active construction sites using 4WD buses on the closed highway between Mangamaunu and north of Half Moon Bay, but won’t go as far as Ohau Point, as crews are working there day and night.

‘‘This is something we have been wanting to do for a long time, but before we needed to make the landslides safe as possible, and in some cases construct new roads.

‘‘Our crews are really excited to be able to share this road with Kaiko¯ ura again.’’

Vaughan said the trip will give residents a chance to familiarise themselves with the changes, and time to deal with any emotions.

The NCTIR Express will operate for three weeks, starting on Sunday .