Fix On Unstable South Wairarapa Road Delayed

Saturday, 15 March 2025, 9:55 pm
Article: Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter

March 13, 2025

Emergency work to reconstruct a section of Lake Ferry Rd in South Wairarapa and reinstall a guardrail has been delayed.

The road, near the junction with Whakatomotomo Rd, had been impacted by an underslip which left half of the posts holding up the guard rail suspended in the air.

A resident raised safety concerns with South Wairarapa District Council last year and works began in November.

Over the Christmas period, heavy rain caused significant damage to the site, a recent report to council said.

“Unfortunately, this impacted on the exposed slope causing some slumping at the top of the fill and the over edge.

“The slumped material has now moved down to a position where it is being held back by trees and vegetation.”

Early this year, preliminary geotechnical advice suggested that there may be a larger movement in the section of road which would require a stronger solution to stabilise the road than what was planned.

“While we consider options, we will reduce speed on the site to 50kpm and we will be inspecting the site on a fortnightly basis to ensure it remains safe.”

No timeframe for the completion of the work could be given to councillors at Wednesday’s Strategy Working Committee.

-LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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