Waioeka Gorge remains open

The diversion past the Waioeka Gorge slip on State Highway 2 will remain open following an inspection by geologists.

Movement in the slip face earlier this week raised fears the single lane diversion might have to be closed while the slip face was stabilised.

Bay of Plenty state highways manager, Brett Gliddon today says the slip movement has been confirmed as being minor.

“We are happy that the temporary road can remain open at this time.”

A fractured area on the Opotiki side of the slope had moved 60mm when measured on Monday, causing the New Zealand Transport Agency to increase its slope surveillance immediately and have geologists return for another inspection.

Work will start immediately to stabilise the slope, including minor blasting and excavation and is expected to take about four weeks.

"We are continuing our excavation work this week to remove a mass of slip material known as the ’whaleback’ which is located in the middle of the slip face, meanwhile this other slip face stabilisation work will start immediately so we can complete it as quickly as possible,” says Brett.  

Minor disruptions to motorists using the temporary road are possible when controlled blasting activity is undertaken.

"There may be short closures of up to 30 minutes when blasting on the slope occurs, but we will provide drivers with advance warning of these delays.  

Long term plans to re-open both lanes of the state highway will be discussed in the coming months. 

SH2 through the Waioeka Gorge was closed by large slips on March 2 and 3. The single lane diversion past the base of the slip was opened on March 29 in daylight hours only, and later opened 24hours on April 5.

If the temporary road does close unexpectedly NZTA will advise motorists as soon as possible through our website www.nzta.govt.nz/waioeka-gorge or via our 0800 4 Highways (0800 44 44 49) number.