Scale of Damage Makes for Careful Going on Pipiriki-Raetihi Rd Repairs

Ruapehu District Council (RDC) contractors have successfully repaired one of the three major slip sites on the Pipiriki-Raetihi Rd caused by the weather bomb over 20/21 June.

The scale of the damage means the work is very slow going as the digger drivers need to be very wary of what may still come down as they clear away slip material.

RDC land transport and economic development manager Warren Furner said that at this stage council anticipates that the road will not reopen to general public traffic until around next Monday 20 July 2015.

“Currently only 4WD vehicle with high clearance can use the road and then only for emergency or supply reasons,” he said.

“At this stage based on an initial site visit by roading engineers it is estimated the cost of repairs across the district will be around $3.5 million.”

“Fortunately we are expecting additional financial support from the NZ Transport Agency for emergency repair works.”

Mr Furner said that the widespread damage to Ruapehu’s road network will take about a year to repair.

“Many of our Roads will have single lane sections as a result of damages, these will be made safe and sign posted until permanent repairs are undertaken,” he said.

“The road repair teams are focused on restoring access to Pipiriki and then beyond to Jerusalem.”

“Since the completion of the sealing of the Whanganui River Rd and the Pipiriki-Raetihi Rd last year they had become major routes for tourism in and out of the Ruapehu district.”

“Tourism operators in the area reported they had just had their best summer ever.”

“Council is committed to reopening these roadways as soon as possible.”

“In the interim motorists are urged to take care and drive to the conditions.”

“Council would also welcome drivers and residents calling-in any road alerts to our service centre on 07 895 8188 or 06 385 8364 (both 24/7).”

ENDS

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