Work is on track to have State Highway 3 through Awakino Gorge open to traffic, without the need for convoys, from next Saturday (23 May).
Convoy times have now been confirmed for the week ahead, between now and next Saturday when the road reopens to stop/go traffic management. The timetables are attached in the comments section below.
Crews are continuing to make good progress across the site, including at the significant slip site where thousands of cubic metres of material have now been cleared and benching work is underway to help stabilise the slope.
Night-time piloted convoys are operating Tuesday to Saturday, between 5pm and 6.30am, to the schedule below. The schedule is unchanged from Monday, with convoys departing every 2 hours.
Daytime and night-time convoys are operating on Sunday and Monday. NZTA say they have made this change following feedback from users of the road, to provide a weekday daytime option.
In a statement, an NZTA spokesperson says they have continued to look at options for daytime convoys, however the site is too narrow and challenging to allow traffic to safely pass while crews are working. At the end of every shift, the site is made safe, before the road is opened to convoys.
If you’re travelling through the area, take care, drive to conditions and take your lead from the convoy vehicle.
Please note these convoy times may change, be delayed, or be paused at short notice due to weather or safety requirements.
If you are travelling, please plan and arrive early to ensure you are ready for your departure window. The latest convoy times and any changes are published on NZTA's Journey Planner.
