From forest track to detour to highway, the 1km diversion past the slip on the Maraenui bluff on the east coast road is to become permanent.

The new highway.

The forest track was upgraded to a diversion after a large slip in August closed State Highway 35 at the bluff.

Geologists have since decided the section of the highway at the slip site 30km east of Opotiki is too unstable to safely secure.

The detour will be upgraded to become the permanent highway.

'A $3.6 million contract to upgrade the detour to highway standard is expected to be awarded this month,” says NZTA Bay of Plenty state highway manager Rod James. 'Work is due to begin in mid-January and should to be completed by July. Upgrade work will include widening the road, easing corners, sealing the surface and installing a guard rail. Traffic is expected to be reduced to one-way flow at times during the work.”

At present the detour is narrow, steep, windy and mostly unsealed gravel.

'While there is enough space for two cars to pass in most places, car drivers are asked to give way to oncoming heavy vehicles and those towing a boat or caravan,” says Rod.

A slip on the diversion/new highway over the weekend has closed the road to heavy vehicles and reduced car traffic to one lane. The slip is expected to be cleared by midday Monday.

SH35 at the Motu Bluff, 7km east of Maraenui, is also under repair. Following recent slips in this area, the bluff's rockface is being cut back and the road widened.

'Council asks visitors and all road users to be patient and drive to conditions this summer, says Opotiki District Council Mayor John Forbes.

'If you're towing or driving slowly, keep an eye on what's behind you. Pull over safely to let traffic pass. Slow down and enjoy the pace of life that makes our region special.”