Takaka Hill works to stabilise road slump
Takaka Hill works. Photo: Ina Holst
Traffic delays on the Takaka Hill over the last few weeks can be attributed to some major improvements undertaken before the onset of winter. Impressive engineering is again needed to counteract the eroding forces of wind, frost and rain on the road environment.
Although acknowledging the inconvenience of major road works during the busy summer, NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) regional operations manager Mark Owen said the dry months were the best time to carry out this work.
“It is difficult working in wet conditions. We also aim to carry out the work outside of holiday periods to ensure disruption to motorists is minimised. The safety of road workers is also taken into consideration, as the ground they are working on is more stable during the drier months.”
Mr Owen explained that the agency was in the process of constructing a retaining wall, similar to that on the Eureka Bend but on a smaller scale. “Regular inspections have shown movement in the road caused by slumping of the hillside, and this retaining wall will help to stabilise this section of hillside to stop ground movement, preventing further damage to the road.”
The costs for the project amount to an estimated $800,000, funded entirely by the NZ Transport Agency. The works are expected to be completed by the end of April 2011.
Ina Holst
