All roads in Thames-Coromandel have been reopened, with no communities isolated.
Thames-Coromandel District Council says several roads have stop-go traffic management in place or temporary speed restrictions. Great care is advised on all roads. Further tree falls and slips can occur due to waterlogged ground.
Council staff and contractors will still be on the roads clearing debris and repairing damage for some time, and some areas may still suffer damage as the soils move while drying out.
Council is asking motorists to be patient and drive carefully, and if they see problems on local roads, let council know on 07 868 0200 or email service.desk@tcdc.co.nz. For State Highways, contact 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).
Some of the larger areas will require deeper investigation and longer-term repairs in the future.
State Highway Status:
– SH25 Tapu – Te Puru open. Slip cleared. Under 50km temporary speed limit.
– SH25 Tararū – Ngārimu Bay open.
– SH25a Kōpū – Hikuai open. Slip cleared under 50km temporary speed limit.
Check https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic for updates to State Highway conditions.
Local Road Status
– Ongoing road inspections have confirmed the possibility of an under slip forming about a kilometre up Kapowai Road, Whenuakite (see photo below). A detailed geotechnical inspection is planned for today (Friday 13 January). All drivers should reduce speed and trucks should delay travelling. As the road is the only means of access to the land beyond, our Council will be signing and monitoring the slip, and planning urgent pavement works to reseal the cracks as soon as possible.
– Colville Rd open. Stop-go traffic management will be in place for the remaining works.
– The 309 Rd open.
– Wentworth Valley Rd open.
– Port Jackson Rd open.
– Kennedy Bay Rd open. Stop-go traffic management will be in place for the remaining works.
