23 March 2018 | SOUTHERN REGION
Takaka Hill update – persistent rain curtails work on hill, highway opened to all traffic as of midday
The Takaka Hill Road into Golden Bay, SH60, will open to all traffic from midday today, (23 March) using the convoy
system.
The highway has been open for morning and evening convoys in recent weeks on weekdays and Saturdays after
ex-tropical-cyclone Gita (20 February) caused a large amount of damage.
Steady rain has been falling in the area this morning and more rain is expected this afternoon. The morning convoy this
morning went as planned.
“There is very little crews can do in terms of the programmed repair works today so it makes sense to open up the road
from midday and allow traffic to travel over the hill now,” says Frank Porter, NZ Transport Agency System Manager.
Permitted vehicles which normally make a trip across the hill at midday will travel as part of the convoys from midday
also.
“Safety is and has to remain our first priority, so we will monitor and assess conditions as the day progresses. Letting
traffic through now and for the rest of the day gives people an opportunity to travel, should we need to close the hill
later today if rain persists.”
• A further update will be sent out at 3pm today.
• Crews and geotechnical experts are monitoring the road and slopes to ensure road users are safe throughout the
convoys.
How to stay up to date:
• email takakahill@nzta.govt.nz
• check latest update: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh60-takaka-hill-repairs/
• Traffic and travel pages for usual convoy informationhttp://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/areawarnings/202314
ends