Despite contractors making good progress clearing the slip at Ruamahunga Bay on the Thames Coast, geotech engineers advised it was not safe to reopen State Highway 25 yesterday.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said the rock face was unstable and there was still a lot of material to remove, with the potential for more to come down.
After heavy rain, around 360 cubic metres of rock and debris fell before dawn on June 26 at the same location as one of two slips which closed the highway on June 25.
Work continued yesterday afternoon and today to clear material, stabilise the rockface and ensure it’s safe to re-open.
“Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency appreciates the detour is significant, with road users needing to travel via Whangamata and Whitianga to the northern end of the Peninsula.”
A further update is expected today.
