Slip blocks gorge
The Karangahake Gorge is once again under the spotlight after a large slip on Saturday night.
NZ Transport Agency Waikato systems manager Karen Boyt says the slip was caused by the recent rainfall. “It has made the hillside unstable.”
She says investigations were under way. “As part of our investigations we are assessing what can be done to provide a more resilient section of highway. The material above this section of highway is a mix of boulders, ash and silt, which makes this area vulnerable to slips, especially with large amounts of rain. “However, we monitor the area regularly and continue to assess what can be done to provide a more resilient section of highway.”
Unstable boulders had also been removed, and there was other work done in September, she says.
“We removed a section of unstable material immediately east of the most recent slip in September this year.”
The cost of that was $33,729.82, she says.
The agency advised people to allow extra time for their trip through the gorge and to drive with care.