Providing another safe place to pass on SH2

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is constructing a slow vehicle bay south of Raupunga, on the southbound lane of State Highway 2 south.

The slow vehicle bay will stretch 650 metres just after the Mohaka Rail Viaduct, about two kilometres from Raupunga.

Roading crews began work on the slow vehicle bay in September last year, but Cyclone Gabrielle and the impact it had on SH2 and emergency works brought this to a halt.

Work completed to date includes the relocation of services that run through the site, the clearing of trees, and drainage works. In preparation for the bay, around 39,000 cubic metres of material have been moved from the site.

“The current stage of works is being carried out off to the side of the state highway to minimise disruption to travellers, and people can expect a temporary speed restriction and traffic management in place,” said Waka Kotahi project manager Richard Bayley.

“Towards the end of the month, work will move to the state highway and stop/go traffic management will be in place. As details are confirmed, we will ensure these are communicated.

“We want to thank road users and communities for their patience while this work is carried out.

“We realise this temporarily adds to traffic management already along SH2, but we’re excited at the prospect of the outcome of this project – a passing opportunity through the steep and often windy stretch of this road,” Mr Bayley said.

This project is funded by Kānoa Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit and aims to provide more safe places to pass, more places to pull off the road to check messages or take a break on State Highways 2 and 35.