Additional work on the Saddle Road will begin on Monday following a geotechnical examination uncovered significant damage caused by heavy rain in June. (File photo)
Emergency works are set to extend the closure of the Saddle Road due to the deluge the Manawatū region endured in early June.
The work will begin on Monday after a geotechnical examination found a retaining wall at the peak was showing signs it could fall into the valley below.
Further observation revealed more movement and the emergence of significant fissures in the road.
The highway has been closed during the day for much of the school holidays for resurfacing and maintenance. The closure will be extended another a week for the additional repairs.
READ MORE:
* Pahīatua Track closing to daytime traffic as resurfacing continues
* Final block of repairs to close Saddle Rd during the day
* Saddle Road lane closures force traffic back to Pahīatua Track
Supplied
Embankment works at the summit of the Saddle Rd.
From Monday, stop/go traffic control will be in effect from 7am to 9am, complete road closures will take place from 9am to 2.30pm, and stop/go traffic control will return from 2.30pm to 5pm.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Manawatu-Whanganui system manager Rob Service said following the examination urgent action had been taken to restrict the number of lanes and set a temporary speed limit of 30kph.
Work would begin this week to trim back the embankment on the other side of the road to the corner. This would allow them to move the road away from the cracking and give workers space to build a temporary traffic lane.
“At the same time, we will be undertaking a drone survey of the full area to gain detailed data about the topography of the area and conducting drilling investigations to understand the underlying ground make-up to inform the long-term solution.”
Works are expected to end on Friday, July 29.
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