SH60 Tākaka Hill Waka Kotahi repairs team – September 2021

The Tākaka Hill repairs project has been disrupted by major weather events through late winter, early spring with more slips and by the recent Alert Level 4 lockdown. But as you will see below, work is continuing, and good progress is being made. Waka Kotahi are still on track to have two lanes open by the end of the year.

Following is the work Waka Kotahi have completed during September:

• Site 6 - The retaining wall is now complete, and the new culvert has been installed.
• Site 7 - The new pavement has also been laid, surfacing completed, and guardrail works have started.
• Site 9 - The new pavement has been constructed, surfacing completed, and guardrail works have started.
• Site 11 – The retaining wall is now 100% complete and pavement construction has started.
• Site 13 - The retaining wall is 100% complete, and the second of the two new culverts have been installed. Pavement repairs have been completed, ready for the new surfacing to be laid.      

Challenges on site

The winter 2021 floods, intense rainfall and serious slips have continued to impact the site.

The most recent was last Thursday when heavy rain caused two slips within close proximity of each other. The crew worked around the clock to clear the slip debris and have the road reopened the following day.

Recent rainfall and subsequent slips required a full overnight road closure to clear slip debris

Plan ahead for 5-night road closure late November In late November Waka Kotahi have their final 5-night road closure that will enable the crew to complete surfacing works. This work is weather dependent. Waka Kotahi will advise when the dates are confirmed. If you need access over the hill for night work or essential commitments, please email takakahill@nzta.govt.nz or call Kane Reihana on 027 886 4508. They will do their best to accommodate your needs, however Waka Kotahi cannot guarantee access. Access is always available for emergency services throughout the closure. Keeping cyclists safe Just a reminder that people venturing over the hill on their bikes can call the freephone 0800 909 605 or 021 226 9664 when they arrive at either end of the lights to be picked up. The phone number is displayed at each set of traffic lights. Team shout out! The whole Tākaka Hill Waka Kotahi team would like to give a huge shoutout to everyone who uses this road for being so patient and understanding over the last month as they have been challenged by COVID-19 restrictions, bad weather and a 11-night closure. Remember there is one more planned 5-night closure late November. Weather permitting, Waka Kotahi are on the home stretch i'm sure all those residents of the Bay will be pleased.