SH60 Tākaka Hill repairs

During the final construction phase of the remaining five slip sites, Tākaka Hill road will be reduced to a single lane with traffic lights at each end of the work site to manage traffic flow and keep everyone safe.

Construction well underway

Retaining walls are well underway for two of the five slip sites under construction. The foundations for the final three sites have nearly reached full depth and work will begin in the new year building the retaining walls.

Challenges across these five sites has been significant, including the geology. Decomposed rock and weak soil made it much harder to reach a solid foundation before being able to build up extremely high retaining walls in narrow and steep gullies, with difficult access. This has meant the project has gone longer than originally planned.

We’re making good progress and working hard to have two lanes open by mid-2021, with project completion by end of 2021. Naturally, weather and events beyond our control will play an important part in achieving these milestones.

Cyclist shuttle service

• A free shuttle service is available to take all cyclists and their bikes through the work site area safely while construction is underway.
• Shuttle service operates from 7am to 5pm, seven days a week.
• Cyclists call 0800 909 696 when they arrive at either end of the lights to be picked up - the phone number is displayed at each set of traffic lights.

Driving on Tākaka Hill

• There are no restrictions on the types of vehicles using the hill.
• Drivers and motorcycle riders cannot stop between or within areas of the traffic signals or when there is manual traffic management.
• Drivers cannot overtake in these narrow areas for everyone’s safety.
• We recommend turning vehicle lights off while waiting at either end of the traffic lights to avoid a flat battery.
• Going up Tākaka Hill to Tākaka, keep as far to the left as possible to allow for larger vehicles coming down.
• Keep the entrance to Riwaka Valley Road clear at all times – No waiting or stopping in the yellow cross-hatch zone.
• Going down Tākaka Hill to Tākaka, keep left, in particular when passing the queued traffic waiting to go up.

Please drive with care through our roadwork site and follow the traffic signals which are there to keep you and the work crew safe.

Thank you for your patience while these important works are being carried out.

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