Taumatamaire
Waitomo mayor John Robertson doubts the road through the Awakino Gorge will ever be resilient.
It’s why he continues to push for an alternative route.
John Robertson
The key link between Taranaki and the greater Waikato will be closed for four days later this month to allow the New Zealand Transport Agency to install three new culverts.
It’s the next step by NZTA to restore two-lane access following multiple slips and damage caused by severe weather in April.
The work is expensive and will impact on businesses – but it’s another sticking plaster.
Bad weather in particular – and more recently the Taumarunui earthquake on July 25 – dislodge tonnes of material which blocks the highway through the gorge. The number of recent closures is reaching double figures.
“Slips that have closed this road have been coming down for decades,” Robertson told The News.
New Plymouth mayor Max Brough says closures are becoming routine.
Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand backs using Taumatamaire Road as an emergency diversion route.
Chief executive Dom Kalasih says they are not seeking an alternative to the gorge – but a route which could be used under specific condition.
That might mean, for example, using the road as a one way road which is open from the north and south on alternate hours.
The Government has allocated an additional $50 million to try to make the gorge road more resilient and Robertson says NZTA is working on options to see how this might best be spent.
“I look forward to seeing their proposals. I worry that $50 million will not resolve the issues.”
He wants some invested on a bypass.
Taumatamaire Road is that potential bypass – but it would require considerable investment to upgrade it to a level where it could be used by heavy vehicles.
Robertson has raised his concerns with Transport Minister Chris Bishop.
“The challenge of what to do reminds me of the Manawatu Gorge. Valiant attempts were made over the years to fix it, but eventually the Crown decided to replace it by building the Manawatū Tararua Highway,” Robertson said.
“The Awakino Gorge is not of this scale. Nor is a replacement of a section of the state highway being suggested. A bypass would instead enable road users to continue to their destination when road closures occur.”
It’s estimated one in five of the 2500-4000 vehicles going through the gorge each day are carrying freight – well above te national average.
“Currently, when the Gorge is closed, trucks must go down to Whanganui and back up to New Plymouth incurring around an additional $1000 per trip,” Robertson said.
In addition, businesses in communities like Mōkau miss out on the passing traffic which makes their operations viable.
Robertson acknowledged the work carried out by NZTA especially in winter conditions – to try and stabilise the hills and cliffs in the gorge – “we all appreciate this work”.
