State Highway 3 through the Awakino Gorge will partially reopen late this Saturday afternoon, restoring limited access to the crucial northern transport link for Taranaki drivers.
New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has confirmed a staged reopening plan for May 2 following an intensive cleanup of recent slips.
According to a spokesperson, NZTA plans to release specific convoy timetables and details on Friday so locals can plan their weekend travel north.
"Initial access will be limited to single-lane, escorted convoys," the agency stated in a press release. "This will restore some access for road users while balancing the need for crucial repairs to continue."
Roading contractors have made significant progress clearing slips, unblocking culverts and removing debris from the site.
Work is currently concentrated at the major slip site inside the gorge. Operators are excavating a 50-metre long "bench" on the hillside. This terrace slopes back into the earth to act as a catch-point for any further falling rock and dirt.
"We have seven excavators working at this location and 16 trucks removing material and debris within a confined, narrow space," the spokesperson said.
Damage to the route extends well below the asphalt. Road workers have completed temporary repairs at one underslip site and are tackling five others. Officials noted one particularly severe underslip has seen a large section of the road drop away entirely. This has left a void roughly 40 metres long and 10 metres deep.
Efforts for the rest of the week are focused on making the route secure for temporary traffic access. Workers will clear the last of the debris while conducting geotechnical checks and temporary repairs.
"To ensure the route’s stability and safely manage initial traffic through multiple fragile, active worksites, we expect to reopen SH3 as planned on Saturday late afternoon under a staged approach," the agency said.
Motorists should expect major delays, and NZTA noted that permanent repairs will still be required to fully secure the route.
