Night work begins on Manawatu slip 1st April 2012

[JennyLeez]

Crews are working around the clock to clear the massive slip in the Manawatu Gorge.

The completion of the benches meant the site was stable enough for crews to work at night, New Zealand Transport Agency state highways manager David McGonigal said.

About 230,823 cubic meters of material had been removed from the face of the slip, he said.

A night shift at the Ashhurst end of the gorge began working from last night.

"This is a major development and it means we can go full tilt, 24/7 carting from this side. But the slip still poses challenges for everyone on the job, so we will have an experienced spotter onsite to ensure the safety of the excavator operator, bulldozer operator and truck drivers."

Clearing the dirt would take between three and six weeks after which time the extent of damage to the road and bridge will be assessed.

The Manawatu Gorge is still expected to re-open mid year, but no specific date has been set.

State Highway 3 through the gorge has been closed since August 18 last year when a series of slips blocked the road.

Work on the alternative routes, particularly on the Woodville side of the Saddle Rd, was continuing and was hoped to be completed by Easter.
Fairfax NZ News

An excellent view of before and after last October 2011.

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[JennyLeez]

The Manawatu Gorge will reopen to vehicles this week for the first time since being blocked by a massive slip in August.
The gorge is expected to be open to one lane of traffic on a temporary road in time for Queen's Birthday weekend.
NZTA Palmerston North state highways manager David McGonigal says good progress has been made on the temporary road, which should be open by Thursday, weather permitting.
"This is a really positive development, and we're delighted to be so close to this milestone before Queen's Birthday weekend, and just in time for the arrival of winter. The team have worked their backsides off to get to this point, and it will be a special moment to see the first cars roll through," he said.
"The public's support and patience has been appreciated every single day of the last nine months, and it's been a huge motivating factor for the team as they've battled to get the road reopened."
Mr McGonigal said the temporary road would still be vulnerable to wear and tear and erosion, so would need to be closely monitored. The gorge would be closed again if there were any concerns about safety.
"Traffic arrangements and opening times will be subject to change at short notice, so we ask that motorists follow the signs at all times, and allow enough time up their sleeves to use the alternative routes if required," he said.
The road is only one lane in width, and will be open to westbound traffic from Woodville to Ashhurst during the day, and two-way traffic at night. Eastbound traffic will still be detoured over Saddle Rd during the day, and motorists are urged to check for the latest updates before travelling.
NZHerald