Takaka Hill retaining wall construction set to start

The NZ Transport Agency is about to start work constructing two new retaining walls to help stabilise the hillside on the Nelson side of the Takaka Hill.

Mark Owen, Regional Performance Manager, NZ Transport Agency says the work is important to ensure the vital State Highway link over Takaka Hill is maintained and protected, as it is the only road link that Golden Bay has to the wider region. 

“Heavy rain has previously caused slips on this road. This work will help to stabilise the slopes below the road, and prevent greater damage to the road,” Mr Owen says. 

Work starts Monday 11 July and should be completed by late September, weather permitting. 

There are two work sites, one approximately 3.2 km from the intersection of State Highway 60 and Riwaka Valley Road, and the other 5.8 km from the same intersection, on the Nelson side of the Takaka Hill. 

Drivers can expect some minor delays when travelling over the Takaka Hill. However, to minimise delays, only one site will have temporary traffic management in place at any time. The traffic management will include reducing the road to a single lane, and a temporary 30 km/h speed limit in place through the work area. 

“This is a busy road so we want to thank road users for their patience and understanding while this important work is underway,” Mr Owen says. 

Below is a a map indicating the work areas:

Takaka Hill location map (click here for larger view [JPG, 775 KB]).