NZTA Coast Rd work focusing on priority sites
NZ Transport Agency says repairs to the Thames Coast Road (State Highway 25) are in full swing, with the focus on
prioritising sites and minimising inconvenience to motorists and residents.
"Repair work is progressing well," says the Transport Agency.
"The sites along SH25 have been prioritised with safety and risk of further damage the key criteria," says the latest
update from NZTA.
"Anyone driving this road should expect delays with stop/go control and speed restrictions at various sites," NZTA says.
About 1,700 tonnes of rock a day are being brought in by heavy vehicles to protect the road from further erosion. "This
is necessary to rebuild the road surface and provide protection with another king tide due at the start of February,"
the NZTA update says.
NZTA's contractor is laying dust suppression seals on areas with a temporary metal surface until the sea protection
walls are complete. Once this is done, permanent seal will be put down.
Vehicles of more than five tonnes are not permitted on SH25 between Te Puru and Manaia, to avoid further damage to
vulnerable sections of the road. These vehicles can take the alternative route via SH25A from Kopu and SH25 on the
eastern side of the Coromandel, as shown in the map below.
Stay up to date on the Thames Coast Rd
• A new webpage has been set up to provide travel information for the journey from Thames to Manaia www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/sh25
• The key traffic and travel source which provides up-to-date information on weather and road conditions
nationwide is www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Important information is also shared via the Transport Agency’s official Twitter and Facebook accounts listed
here www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/connect-with-us/
• You can also call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to speak to NZTA's call centre team who can provide you with
traffic and travel information either before you're travelling or when you're on the road.
•
Recovery ongoing
We're continuing to clean up after the 5 January storm tide.
Today is the last day to put out flood-damaged items on the kerbside for free collection.
Until Wednesday, flood-damaged items can be left at the Thames Refuse Transfer Station at 102 Burke Street without charge. Check www.tcdc.govt.nz/rts for hours.
Was your grass damaged by salt water inundation?
The advice from David Ormsby, turf specialist, is to water frequently, but this is best done straight away.
By now any damage will be done, but it's still worth doing to dilute residual salt and aid recovery. A few days of rain
(forecast for later in the week) will also do the job.
We are still watering the Rhodes Park rugby no. 1 field to aid regrowth.
If disaster strikes, are you ready?
Our Civil Defence Controller Garry Towler reminds people this is probably the first of a number of storms possible
during the period until about March or April.
"Individuals and families need to be prepared for emergencies - prepared to look after themselves for 3-5 days," says Mr
Towler.
NZ Civil Defence has prepared the Get Ready, Get Thru website with lots of information about planning for emergencies. If you get ready, then you can get through.
Another king tide similar to that of 4/5 January is forecast for early February. We're keeping an eye on MetService forecasts to see what weather conditions will accompany it.
It's also important to stay informed before, during and after emergencies. The more avenues of communication available
to you, the better.
Here are some we recommend:
• MetService - for weather forecasts www.metservice.com
•Red Cross Hazards App - alerts about hazards. Download from the App Store or Google Play
• Local radio - Check stations and frequencies here
• Our Council's website - www.tcdc.govt.nz
• Our Council's email newsletters - www.tcdc.govt.nz/subscribe to sign up
• Know your neighbours - phone each other, especially vulnerable people, to check if they're OK
• Emergency Mobile Alert - these can be sent to your mobile phone, without needing to download an app or sign up.
Check if your phone is capable of receiving them, here
For more on these channels, and other information about staying informed in emergencies, go to the Civil Defence "Never Happens" website