‘Resilience’ work on SH35 at Te Puia Springs

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

WAKA Kotahi NZ Transport Agency points to some disruption to traffic next month as work continues on the State Highway 35 ‘Resilience' project.

The project aims to strengthen and stabilise State Highway 35 so it can remain open and functional during disruptions such as weather events, allowing locals, visitors and goods to get where they need to go.

“Next month, crews will investigate ground conditions on SH35 at Te Puia Springs, next to the lake, and at various sites along the state highway on Kopuaroa Hill,” an NZTA spokesman said.

“Those investigations will help verify the design that will be used to stabilise slips and strengthen the resilience of the road.

“A drill rig is required for this work, which will require lane closures.”

From Tuesday April 6 to Friday April 9 work at Te Puia Springs next to the lake will require SH35 to be down to one lane between 6am and 6pm, with stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed restriction in place.

From Saturday April 10 for approximately four weeks, SH35 will be down to one lane at various sites on Kopuaroa Hill, also between 6am and 7pm with the same traffic management and speed restriction as at Te Puia Springs.

“Outside of these hours, both locations will have traffic lights in place,” the spokesman said.

“Motorists are advised to take care when passing through the work sites and adhere to the temporary speed restrictions.”