Work progressing on unstable rocks above SH30 at Rotoiti
Work to improve the safety of an unstable rockface at Ruato Bay Rotoiti, which reduced SH30 between Rotorua and Whakatane to one lane, is progressing well says the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
Severe weather conditions last month brought down material forcing NZTA to reduce the state highway to a single lane while workers began the challenging task of removing loose rock from the cliff face.
The initial rock removal work was completed over the course of several weeks by workers who abseiled down the cliff face to clear unstable rocks.
The work has now progressed to a monitoring phase to ensure the cliff face remains stable after the initial clearing.
The next stage of works over the coming months will see more permanent safety measures at the cliff face. While the full extent of these will be confirmed once monitoring is completed, it is likely they will involve placing steel mesh and pinning of the remaining large boulders above the road.
The concrete barrier currently in place and current traffic management system will remain during the coming months to ensure the safety of both motorists and workers at the site.
NZTA and the Rotorua District Council say safety of road users is paramount and SH30 will be fully reopened when the permanent safety measures are in place to minimise the risk of material falling on the road.
Bay of Plenty state highways manager, Brett Gliddon says NZTA will endeavour to keep delays to the absolute minimum throughout this work.