Summer Work Gets Underway On Ohakune Mountain Road

Ruapehu District Council (RDC) roading contractors are due to start their summer work programme on the Ohakune Mountain Road (OMR).

RDC Land Transport Manager, Warren Furner, said that Council had an ambitious improvement programme for the OMR this summer that was planned to be completed before the beginning of the ski season.

“Last year RDC was successful in having the OMR retain its Special Purpose Road status and the 100% road works subsidy that comes with it for the next three years under the NZ Transport Agency’s review of the level of financial support it provides to local road work projects,” he said.

“It is important that we take full advantage of the OMR’s Special Purpose Road status and the 100% road works subsidy that comes with it while we still have it.”

“Retaining the 100% subsidy for the next three years has been vital in enabling Council to plan and undertake required maintenance and renewal work on the OMR in support our economic development objectives and central government’s business growth agenda”.

“Our plan is to make investments in both OMR over the next three years while we have the 100% subsidy that will help ensure that it is in the best possible condition before it loses its Special Purpose Road status.”

“This summer the road improvements will include the installation of new guardrails and road shoulder support, additional concrete debris barriers, road renewal and resurfacing and improvements to the road grade on some sections.”

Mr Furner noted that the OMR work programme is undertaken in consultation with the OMR Joint Advisory Committee which includes local iwi Ngati Rangi, the Department of Conservation (DoC) and Ruapehu Alpine Lifts.

“All contractors working on the OMR must adhere to DoC and iwi protocols regarding the movement of materials and the cleaning of machinery prior to work commencing,” he said.

“The protocols are designed to protect the environmental health and cultural integrity of Mt Ruapehu and the National Park.”

Mr Furner added that before the work programme gets underway on Monday (16 Feb) Ngati Rangi will be conducting a cultural induction and blessing for everyone involved.

“DoC will also be inspecting all machinery being used to ensure it has been adequately cleaned and plant pests or diseases are not being introduced into the National Park.”

“The first stage of work will include general site preparation including vegetation relocation followed by a 13km grade improvement and pavement renewal at the bottom of the OMR.”

“OMR users may experience short delays and are asked to please drive with car and courtesy through work sites.”

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