Ruapehu district braces for transport impact amid Desert Road closure

By RNZ

The mayor of Ruapehu District says incidents along the detour around the closed Desert Road could “paralyse” transport networks through the central North Island.

State Highway 1 between Waiōuru and Tūrangi is now closed for two months as up to 16km of the road is rebuilt and the deck of the Mangatoetoenui Bridge replaced.

The detour from north to south is via SH41, SH47, SH4, SH49, and then back to SH1 in Waiōuru, and it adds 30 to 40 minutes to the journey.

Mayor Weston Kirton said the narrow lanes and limited passing opportunities along the route could pose risks if drivers became frustrated.

“If you have a huge volume of traffic going through a network of roading that is not up to the same specifications as SH1 then you’re going to have a few incidents.

“I’m conscious of the fact that if you have a major accident, there is no alternative route. If we’re now getting down to only SH4 as an alternative, then what other options have you got if there is an incident?

“We’ve got to have the infrastructure up and running as well. You’ve got to have the emergency services, breakdowns [assistance] and the policing ... making sure the road management’s up to spec,” Kirton said.

Kirton said he hoped motorists would take care along the route and stop to enjoy some of the local attractions in the area.

“Take it easy on the roads, stop, have a rest, have a coffee break. Take time out and enjoy the landscape that is very picturesque this time of the year,” he said.

Kirton said Tūroa skifield was lining up summer activities to capitalise on the influx and he was sure that other businesses in the area would follow suit.

Weston Kirton is pleading for 'the emergency services, breakdowns [assistance] and the policing' to be functioning well on the Desert Road detour. Photo / RNZ, Angus Dreaver

“As far as Ohakune, National Park [and] Taumarunui is concerned - the benefits to the community - it’s huge. We’re hoping that people will not only fill up with gas or electricity and stop for a pie or a chocolate eclair [but] also see some of the benefits of stopping over and enjoying some of the activities we have got going,” Kirton said.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said the speed limit near and through Ohakune would be reduced to 50km/h while the detour was in place and there would be additional billboards, signage and police patrols along the route.

- RNZ

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