Work is underway to move the Russell Parade Road at Frasertown (pictured) away from the river.

Contractors are on-site, and the work will continue into the new year.

Scouring and riverbank dropouts have been a historical issue, exacerbated by heavy rainfall events in recent years, which reduced the riverside road to a single lane.

The repair work will include a no-exit residents-only road and riverbank and erosion control measures. The design includes a one-lane, two-way system with pull-in bays, an upgrade and extended drop-off area near Frasertown School, additional drainage work to divert surface water away from the damaged slope and new signage. Mesh has been installed on the riverbanks slope to stabilise the area and planting has been carried out.

Speed restrictions and a walkway could be considered in the future.

Wairoa District Council Chief Executive Kitea Tipuna said the Council recognises the current access issues are disruptive. “Thank you to everyone for their patience and support while we work through this, particularly those residents who are directly affected.

“From a safety perspective, we urge everyone to stay away from the affected road/riverbank area and encourage only residents, and those associated with the school, to use the affected piece of road to reduce traffic flow.”

16 December 2024

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