NZTA Warn of Further Preventative Closures in Winter

NZTA said, the Waioweka Gorge remains vulnerable to slips and flooding so road closures during winter could become more common.

NZTA said weather conditions have caused slips, flooding and debris to cover the road earlier in the week. 

It said 111mm of rain (equivilent of half a months' worth of rain) fell in 24 hours causing flooding, and slopes to become unstable. 

"These recent weather events are a timely reminder that this section of highway is especially vulnerable, given the narrow, steep, and fragile landscape it runs through."

It said as winter approaches, pre-emptive closures may be put in place more frequently with wet weather. 

A closure will be put in place if weather conditions worsen, during orange or red weather warnings or monitoring equipement notices a change in ground conditions that could be of concern. 

"There are times this could be implemented even if no visible changes are present, this could be due to things such as unsafe ground conditions."

It said if ground conditions change, action needs to be taken to prevent sudden or dangerous slip movements and to keep motorists and crews safe. 

Recovery site progress map. Yellow sites indicate wire mesh installation IMAGE: NZTA

Since the weather cleared, crews have been working on removing loose rock and installing specialised steel wire mesh to part of the gorge deemed to have the highest rockfall risk. 

It said stop/go conditions remain in place while the work continues, so motorists should expect delays.