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/

• www.facebook.com/nztasouthisland

• Tasman District Council’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TasmanDistrictCouncil/

• Traffic and travel pages for usual convoy informationhttp://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/areawarnings/202314

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