Plans for reopening SH25A remain on track for December 20, however, the transport agency is urging motorists to be cautious as the new bridge will remain an active worksite.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency acknowledged there was “a lot of excitement building about the reopening of SH25A”.
“Here’s what you need to know before you drive that route,” Waka Kotahi said in its weekly update.
After the road opens, the area around the new bridge will remain an active worksite, and there will be temporary traffic management with a speed restriction through the area.
“Please also be aware there are areas of new seal along the road. Please follow all posted speeds to protect the new work.
“There will be a lot of interest in the new bridge and changed landscape at the slip site, but road users must know that it’s not safe to stop and sightsee on or near the bridge.
Waka Kotahi said traffic was expected to be heavy throughout the holiday period and urged motorists to “do their bit to keep things flowing smoothly”.
“Any closure of SH25A, weather or crash related, has widespread impacts so be tolerant, keep a safe following distance and be conscious of those travelling behind you.”
Waka Kotahi said despite last week’s patchy weather, chip seal and the final layer of asphalt were laid across the bridges and approaches, line marking completed, and all barriers and signage are now in place.
With that critical work complete, Waka Kotahi’s focus this week is to complete all finishing works that can only be done without traffic on the bridge. This includes sealing the bridge barriers, finishing critical drainage connections beneath the bridge, and checking and tidying the site.
Traffic management will be set up to protect vehicles from parts of the site that aren’t complete such as the open channels on the eastern approach and to allow workers to safely access the areas when they return after the break.
The soil nails on the slip face have now been grouted and the team is now installing the bearing plates, meshing and bio-grid mesh.
While SH25A was closed, Waka Kotahi made the most of it by clearing slips, stabilising slopes, replacing culverts, installing new seals and signs. Those teams are now also doing their final works in order to reopen the road.
Waka Kotahi were surprised by Hikuai business Prescott’s Garages, who shared food and beverages with the SH25A team last Thursday as an expression of their appreciation.
“Thank you for the pies, Prescott’s Garages.
“As for many others, their business has struggled since the closure of SH25A and they [Prescott’s Garages] are looking forward to the link reopening,” Waka Kotahi said.
“The team was stoked to receive this kind gesture from the locals – thank you very much from the whole team for your continuous kindness and support.”
Elsewhere across the Coromandel there are still a number of sites to be repaired following the summer storms.
“[Waka Kotahi] always have to strike a balance between completing necessary repairs and maintenance to keep highways up to standard – and the impact on traffic and people’s precious holiday time.
“That’s why repair and maintenance activity across the Coromandel will finish from noon Friday December 22 to Sunday night January 7 to help ease the peak holiday traffic.”
