Whanganui River Road work nearing completion
Published on 30 October 2017
30 October 2017
Two remaining major works required on the Whanganui River Road following the June 2015 weather event are expected to be completed by June 2018.
Whanganui District Council General Manager - Infrastructure - Mark Hughes says the completion of works at Shellrock (Oyster) Bluff and Jerusalem Bluff are milestones in an ongoing repair project which has lasted two years.
“We know the Whanganui River Road community and other people who use the road want to see the works completed as soon as possible. We will be pleased to see the last two major pieces of work finished on this significant and historical piece of Whanganui’s road network.”
Beginning Monday 6 November 2017, the Whanganui Roading Alliance will carry out major earthworks at Shellrock Bluff at RP: 13.413 to RP: 13.932 - Culvert Number 61 to Bridge Number 23 (Whautehi Stream).
The work is weather-dependent but expected to take place until Friday 8 December 2017. There will be road closures during this time.
Earthworks machinery will be used to cut into the side of the bluff to widen the existing road after the river-side edge was damaged in June 2015.
Members of the Whanganui River Road community were informed of the Shellrock Bluff works at a face-to-face hui and by advertising and social media updates. A letter box drop to all residents will also take place.
“The repairs to Shellrock Bluff means that there will be more access for tourists and locals over the summer months and that the local economy is supported by being able to more easily bring goods and services in and out of the River Road settlement,” says Mr Hughes.
A second piece of work on the Whanganui River Road will take place at Jerusalem Bluff, just before the Jerusalem settlement. This work is likely to begin prior to Christmas. The work will also involve cutting into the existing road to widen it and may include road closures. The contract for this work is currently out for tender.
A replacement culvert for Ranana is expected to be completed in the first half of 2018, but is not expected to involve a full road closure.
Shellrock Bluff closures – Whanganui River
Work will take place from 9.00am on Monday 6 November 2017 until 9.00pm on Friday 8 December 2017. The road will be open on Saturdays, Sundays and during public holidays.
The opening and closing times are:
9.00am to 12.00pm noon – CLOSED
12.00pm noon to 1.00pm – OPEN
1.00pm to 3.00pm – CLOSED
3.00pm to 4.00pm – OPEN
4.00pm to 5.30pm – CLOSED
5.30pm to 6.30pm – OPEN
6.30pm to 9.00pm – CLOSED
From 8 December 2017 until 23 December 2017, works will continue but traffic will be controlled using a ‘stop/go’ system.