Safety works begin this weekend on State Highway 1 Ngauranga Gorge – pathway closure planned

Pedestrians, cyclists, and regular users of State Highway 1, Ngauranga, Gorge, need to be ready for safety works beginning this Sunday, 4 December.

Contractors are beginning preparations for rockfall prevention works planned for the Christmas/New Year holiday period.

It means the southbound path, from Newlands to the southbound offramp will be closed as of Sunday evening and remain closed until early morning, 9 January. This is for the safety of contractors and the public.

Closure Details:

• The southbound shared path will be closed from 7pm Sunday, 4 December, to 5:30 am Monday, 9 January.
• The closure zone is from Newlands to the southbound offramp. There will still be access to the offramp.
• There will be a signposted detour for cyclists and pedestrians to follow to the path on the northbound side of the Gorge.
• Both north and southbound cyclists and pedestrians will be using the same path. Extra care will be needed when passing and consideration shown to other path users.
• Temporary cyclist/pedestrian signal phasing is being installed at the traffic lights at the bottom of the Gorge so cyclists and pedestrians can safely cross Jarden Mile and Hutt Road.
• The Wakely Road path will remain open for those commuting from Newlands.

There will also be a southbound lane closure on State Highway 1 from Monday 26 December to 8 January 2023 for rock scaling and the installation of safety netting on the cliff face.

This work is essential. The Ngauranga Gorge is a busy corridor with a particularly steep hill beside it. From time-to-time loose rock and debris falls onto the path and road beneath, creating a safety hazard for highway users.

Waka Kotahi wants to thank those affected for their patience and understanding while these works take place.