State Highway 36 at Mangorewa Gorge is open to one lane tonight with contractors clearing tonnes of soft soil and vegetation from a section of the state highway to reduce the risk of slips in the area.

The section of SH36 – between Tauranga and Rotorua – was closed from 9am until 4pm today and yesterday, so a helicopter carrying a monsoon bucket could flush away soft soil and vegetation above the road.

Mangorewa Gorge. Photo: File.

The segment of SH36 has been down to one lane after a slip following heavy rain during Easter weekend in April.

A single lane is now back open to traffic, but the NZ Transport Agency advises motorists to expect short delays tomorrow as contractors finish minor works in the area.

Both lanes of the highway are expected be open late next week after a final inspection is carried out.

Low cloud meant the helicopter couldn't be used on Wednesday as planned, but contractors used diggers to make good progress on three of the four areas of focus until it could be brought in.

NZTA Bay of Plenty highway manager Brett Gliddon says the important work will help reduce the risk of slips in the future, making the road safer for motorists travelling between Tauranga and Rotorua.

'Contractors successfully cleared three areas using diggers on Wednesday and the fourth, largest section was cleared today with the help of a helicopter,” he said.

'Upwards of 5000 litres of water was dropped today, to clear soft soil and vegetation above the road.”

Brett says using the helicopter on the last area was the safest option for both contractors and the public.

'The last area was very large and we couldn't get the digger in to work underneath it,” says Brett.

'Using the helicopter was the safest option.”

NZTA apologises for any inconvenience and thanks motorists for their understanding while these important safety works were carried out.

Road work activity with potential traffic delays between June 27 and July 4 – weather dependant:

NZTA State Highways:

State Highway 2 – Tuapo Bridge – Walker Road East/West to Thompsons Track Road

Guardrail repairs

Shoulder Closure

Contra flow with speed restrictions in place

Delays possible

Anticipated Completion: Mid July

State Highway 2, Te Puke: Kaituna Bridge

Bridge repair work

30k/hr speed restriction through the site

Delays possible

Anticipated Completion: End of June

State Highway 2, Pukehina Beach Intersection

Seal widening

Speed restrictions in place

Delays possible

Anticipated completion: end of June

State Highway 29 – Ruahihi Road intersection

Seal widening

Speed Restrictions in place with Contra Flow

Delays possible

Anticipated completion: Mid July

State Highway 29 – Tauriko to Gargan Road

Shoulder widening

Speed Restrictions in place

Delays possible

Anticipated completion: Mid July

State Highway 36 – Northern Taumata Road intersection, Pyes Pa

Intersection improvements

Speed restrictions in place

Delays possible

Anticipated completion: end of July

State Highway 36 - Te Matai Road intersection, Pyes Pa

Slow Vehicle Bay construction

Speed restrictions in place

Delays possible

Anticipated completion: Mid July

WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY DISTRICT COUNCIL LOCAL ROADS:

Waitao Road

Underslip repairs

Road closure in place from # 351 while plant is operating between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Speed restriction in place after hours.

Anticipated completion: Mid July.

Ohauiti Road

Underslip repairs from 6km – 13km

3 areas affected – down to single lane light traffic only

CLOSED to Heavy Vehicles at 12km mark

Anticipated completion: Mid July – weather dependant

Kaylene Place, Omokoroa

Construction of Footpath

Shoulder closure

Anticipated Completion: Mid July

Te Puna Road – from James Road to Maramatanga Park

Construction of Footpath

Shoulder closure

Delays possible

Anticipated Completion: Mid July