The Waioeka Gorge is now completely open following an $8.5million project to clear a large slip that came down on the highway last year.

The section of State Highway 2 from Opotiki to Gisborne was officially opened yesterday marked by a blessing conducted by Tuhoe elders.

The slipped cleared from the Waioeka Gorge.

It follows 24 weeks of work to clear the slip that came down on March 3, 2012 blocking the eastern arterial highway.

NZ Transport Agency state highways manager Brett Gliddon says the work was completed ahead of schedule and will provide improved security from potential large slips.

'The rock fall barrier at the base of the cliff will help to reduce large volumes of material from ending up on the road during a slip, this will help to minimise road closures.”

The NZTA spent $8.5million to have the highway reopened, including emergency response and temporary road construction costs.

Brett says despite the many challenges faced by the project team in early March last year, contractors Downer NZ Limited and consultants Opus International remained committed to getting the road reopened so things could get back to ‘business as usual'.

'Stabilising that cliff face was an on-going battle at the start, with an active cliff face, it was difficult to predict where and when material may fail.

'We were fortunate to have a great team of experts and workers who were passionate about this job and who understood the geographic nature of the landscape and area, it helped to get things moving.”

He says landscaping of the site will occur in May when the weather is more suitable.