25 Mar 2012

Waioeka Gorge route closer to opening

7:35 am on 25 March 2012

The Transport Agency says a temporary diversion route through Waioeka Gorge, north of Gisborne, may be open to traffic this week.

In early March, some 100,000 cubic metres of dirt and rocks slipped onto State Highway 2 between Gisborne and Opotiki, closing the road.

Motorists have since been forced to use a detour that adds several hours to the trip.

Recent rain in the area brought more loose material down the middle rocky outcrop area.

The Transport Agency says crews are working on a one lane temporary access route around the slip face.

Bay of Plenty state highways manager Brett Gliddon says the stability of the slip face is a critical factor in whether the temporary access route is opened.