A Bailey Bridge will be installed at the failed crib wall site near the Waitepatu Culvert on the Mahia East Coast Road.

Wairoa District Council chief executive Steven May said installing a Bailey Bridge is the safest option given the site’s instability.

The bridge installation programme will take place from Thursday, June 6 through to Sunday June 9.

During this period the Mahia East Coast Road (Lane Road and Oraka Road intersection) will be completely closed to all vehicles from 6pm on Thursday, June 6 to 6am Friday, June 7 and from 6pm Friday June 7 to 6pm Sunday June 9.

Council had identified the crib wall needed replacing and work on a repair solution began 18-months ago.

A major limitation is that the land required for the road realignment is culturally significant.

Mr May said the Waitepatu site is an absolute priority and staff have been working through options to try and find a solution.

“Part of that identification process included starting design work with options then becoming limited because of the wāhi tapu on the land immediately adjacent to the site.

“We now have a design which we believe will remedy the situation but cannot begin work until the spring.

“Installing the Bailey Bridge over the dropout area is the best option to manage the risk of the area being unstable, particularly over the winter period.”

Mr May thanked the community, particularly residents who will be affected by the road closure, for their patience.

Once the bridge is installed and the road is reopened traffic lights will be in place.

4 June 2019

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