Major Repair Underway: Motu Rd Closure to Last Several Months

Key Takeaways:

• Motu Rd is closed due to a 100m slip that has taken out a section of the road
• The road closure is expected to last through Christmas and potentially throughout the summer months
• The council is monitoring the slip’s movement and investigating possible solutions, including rerouting the road or constructing bridge works
• The area is hazardous, with debris and large rocks still falling, and the public is advised to keep clear
• Cyclists can still access the Pakihi Track via SH2 and the Matawai and Motu villages, with shuttles available

Introduction to the Road Closure
The Motu Rd, a scenic route that carries around 35 vehicles a day and is popular among cyclists, has been closed due to a significant slip that has taken out a section of the road. The slip, which measures 100m in length, has made the road impassable, and any repairs will likely require large-scale and carefully planned works. The council has announced that the road will remain closed while further investigation work is carried out, and the public is advised to keep well clear of the site due to the hazardous conditions.

Assessing the Damage and Hazards
The site of the slip is still unstable, with debris and large rocks continuing to fall, making it a hazardous area for anyone to approach. The council’s representative, Wiseman, has emphasized the importance of keeping the public safe and has warned that the area is not suitable for any clearing works at present. The slip has not only affected the road but also the surrounding environment, with vegetation and rocks still moving, and the council is taking a cautious approach to ensure that the area is stabilized before any repairs can begin.

Investigating Possible Solutions
The council is exploring several options to repair the road, but none of them will be simple or straightforward. The initial report has provided several early options, including rerouting the road to bypass the slip, retreating the road, or clearing the slip and constructing bridge works across the lost road bench. However, each of these options comes with its own set of challenges, including building over 1km of road through challenging terrain. The council will need to conduct further investigations and consult with Waka Kotahi NZTA to help cover the costs of the work.

Impact on the Community and Alternative Routes
The road closure is expected to have a significant impact on local residents and businesses, particularly during the peak summer months. However, the council is working to minimize the disruption and has announced that the Pakihi Track, a popular cycling trail, is still open and accessible via SH2 and the Matawai and Motu villages, with shuttles available. Cyclists can still enjoy the trail, although they will need to take a detour to access the start of the track. The council has appreciated the patience and understanding of the community and is working to find a solution to the problem as soon as possible.

Next Steps and Timeline
The council will continue to monitor the slip’s movement and carry out further investigations to determine the best course of action. The road will remain closed through Christmas and likely throughout the summer months, and possibly longer, depending on the solution chosen. The council will need to approach Waka Kotahi NZTA to help cover the costs of the work, and the public will be kept informed of any developments. While the road closure is an inconvenience, the council is prioritizing safety and is working to find a long-term solution to the problem. The community is advised to keep an eye on updates from the council and to plan alternative routes in the meantime.