Road works will be ramping up across Coromandel’s state highway network from mid-February, as Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency continues to repair damage caused by last summer’s extreme weather.
Teams will be working with stop/go traffic management in place at up to six locations around the peninsula, and from mid-March at up to 10 locations. Work will also be carried out on SH2 in the Karangahake Gorge and SH27 at Kaihere.
“These works will mean delays for road users, so plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey,” the agency said.
While SH25A was closed last year, work across the wider Coromandel highway network was carefully managed and sequenced to minimise further disruption to peoples’ journeys around the peninsula, Waikato regional manager of infrastructure delivery Jo Wilton said.
“We also paused all but essential activity over the busy summer holiday period to minimise disruption and give Coromandel residents and visitors a break from recovery works.
“Now the peak summer holiday period is over, and SH25A is carrying its usual volumes of traffic, motorists will see our teams working at numerous sites on SH25 around the peninsula.
“We understand this will mean delays for road users and thank them for their patience. Coromandel’s highway network remains vulnerable because of the unstable natural environment, and exposed coastal areas. Repairing the remaining damaged sites as quickly as possible is essential for ensuring the resilience of the Coromandel.”
The region is benefiting from these works with local suppliers being used where possible, Waka Kotahi said.
Last summer’s storms resulted in 50 major slip sites as well as surface flooding related damage at multiple locations across the Coromandel highway network, leaving it in a fragile state. During 2023 work was completed at 32 sites along SH25 and SH2. Work was also prioritised on SH25A while it was closed to ensure the entire corridor was safe and more resilient.
Traffic on SH25A quickly returned to usual following the reopening of SH25A. Traffic data from Waka Kotahi shows average daily vehicle numbers during the peak holiday period of around 7300 a day – the usual number for that busy time of year.
Waka Kotahi reminded drivers to be patient, respect road workers and travel safely through worksites.
“[Road workers] are carrying out important maintenance such as repairing potholes and resealing. Summer is the best time for maintenance such as road resurfacing because the warmer and drier weather helps new seal stick to the road surface,” it said.
“Stick to the posted speed limit, drive carefully and follow any signage and instructions you receive.”
PLANNED WORKS
SH25 Whiritoa to Whangamatā
SH25 will have daily periodic road closures from Wednesday 7 February between Whangamata and Whiritoa, south of Parakiwai Quarry Road for road resurfacing.
Waka Kotahi estimates this work will take about two weeks to complete, weather permitting.
The road will be closed for up to 30 minutes at a time between 7am and 6pm, and reopened periodically to allow traffic to clear.
The road will reopen to two lanes of traffic overnight and on weekends under temporary speed limits.
Ruamahunga rolling closures
SH25 will be fully closed for short periods on Friday 9 February, so a helicopter can safely operate over the road.
The road will be closed for up to 20 minutes at a time as the helicopter lifts equipment and materials to the top of the slope and brings down trees that have been cleared. After each closure, the road will be reopened to allow traffic to clear before the next closure.
This work is weather dependent and if the weather is unsuitable, this will be postponed.
Work here is expected to continue until mid-2024.
Wharekaho
Work to repair an under-slip at Wharekaho has so far been tackled off the road, from the bottom of the slip, to avoid impacts on traffic. From 12 February the side barrier will be moved, reducing the road to a single lane so work can be done on two fronts.
Te Kouma Hill
Repairs to under-slips at two locations, beginning February 12. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane with stop/go traffic management in place.
Kereta Hill
Repairs to underslip begin from February 12. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane with stop/go traffic management in place.
Pumpkin Hill
Work begins on February 12 to improve drainage. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane with stop/go traffic management in place.
SH25A Taparahi
The temporary bracing has been removed from under the bridge deck, and work is now being completed on drainage infrastructure and earthworks. The soil nails are being tested, and the site offices, fences and gates are being removed. Once that is complete the material storage area and helipad will be reinstated. There is a temporary speed limit in place to keep road workers safe.
Around the network
Other work underway around the network includes side barrier installation at two locations between Whenuakite and Tairua, with work expected to begin after Waitangi Day. The work will require traffic management and should take 10 days to complete.
