Work starts next week on the final stage of repairs to a slip beneath Ōropi Rd.

Tauranga City Council will carry out resurfacing as part of an eight-week project to stabilise the slip site and strengthen the route.

The final stage is scheduled for the night of Wednesday, August 19, weather permitting, a council statement said.

The Ōropi-bound lane between Maleme St and the SH29A roundabout will be closed overnight from 7pm until 6am. The northbound lane will stay open.

The project included building a 60 metre-long, 6m-high rock wall using about 2500 tonnes of rock to stabilise the bank and help protect the road from erosion.

Other improvements included drainage upgrades, new utility and service installations, a safety barrier, road foundation reconstruction and resurfacing.

Tauranga City Council transport system operations manager Shawn Geard said this final stage of work would allow the road to be fully reopened.

“We’re pleased to be reaching the finish line on this project earlier than originally planned.

The project included construction of a 60m-long, 6m-high rock wall using about 2500 tonnes of rock to stabilise the bank. Photo / Tauranga City Council

“The final resurfacing works will complete the repair and leave the site in a much stronger position to withstand future weather events.”

Geard said collaboration between contractor Fulton Hogan, subcontractor James Lux Developments and the council helped the project progress despite several challenges.

“The team delivered well under some complex conditions.”