26 August 2008

Threat of major slip closes Kawakawa Bay road until Friday

The potential danger of another major slip means the road north of Kawakawa Bay will remain closed until at least Friday.

The closure of Kawakawa-Clevedon Road will be reviewed again on Friday to see if it is safe for traffic to use. The closure means approximately 1500 people living in the area will need to continue using a longer alternative route. People driving to and from the Kawakawa Bay and Orere Point area should travel via Kaiaua and use State Highway One and Two.

A meeting to update the community on the slip and the road closure will be held at 7.30pm tomorrow (Wednesday) at Kawakawa Bay Community Hall.

Manukau City Council Economic Director Rick Walden says another major slip of Turei Hill above the road could happen at any time.

"There is high potential for another major slip to come down onto the road so the risk to public safety is too great for the road to open. Because of the danger the council has also asked contractors to stop working in the area clearing debris from the road.

"About 500 cubic metres of earth came down on Sunday, but there is the potential for thousands of cubic metres to come down at any time. The council realises the road closure is a major inconvenience for residents, however we just can't take the risk.

"Monitoring of the slip is continuing so we can get a clearer picture of what might happen. The council is holding a public meeting on Wednesday evening to update the community on the slip and its potential impact," Mr Walden says.

The section of Kawakawa-Clevedon Road affected by the slip has been closed since Sunday. The slip, which also partially closed the road at the beginning of the month, has been caused by heavy rain over a long period.

Drivers should use the following alternative routes, but are warned to take care. State Highway 1 - State Highway 2 - East Coast Road via Kaiaua. From Clevedon: Monument Rd -Sky High Rd - Hunua Rd - Paparimu Rd.

People driving to the Kawakawa Bay and Orere Point area should use the following alternative routes. Drivers should take care when using them.

State Highway 1 - State Highway 2 - East Coast Road via Kaiaua. From Clevedon: Monument Rd -Sky High Rd - Hunua Rd - Paparimu Rd - State Highway 1 - State Highway 2 - East Coast Road.

Electronic message signs with updates and detour signs are up along roads in the area. There will be regular updates through the council call centre (phone 262 5104) and at www.manukau.govt.nz

ENDS

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