Daytime closures are planned on State Highway 2 (SH2) through the Karangahake Gorge, between Waihī and Paeroa. Rock-scaling is needed on cliffs above a section of the highway. A full closure is required because loose material may fall onto the road while crews are working.
SH2 will be closed from 8:30am to 3:30pm each day during 2 work periods:
• Monday 24 to Friday 28 August
• Monday 12 to Friday 16 October.
The closure will cover a 500-metre section of SH2, beginning near the historic rail tunnel bridge and extending north. The work is weather dependent. Road users should plan to travel through the gorge outside the closure times, while inter-regional traffic should consider using SH29 over the Kaimai Range.
“SH2 through Karangahake Gorge carries around 7,900 vehicles each day and is a key connection between Waikato, Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel,” says NZTA Waikato Area Manager, Asset and Operations, Andy Oakley.
Rock scaling involves trained rope-access technicians inspecting cliff faces and removing loose or unstable material using hand tools and specialist equipment, before it can fall on the road.
The August closure will focus mainly on inspections and identifying areas that need treatment, with some rock removal. The October closure will allow crews to remove unstable rock and complete any further work identified during the inspections. Any rock armouring work completed in October would involve a 50-tonne crane operating from the highway and divers guiding rocks into place in the river.
Emergency services and first responders will continue to have access through the closure area.
The road-side section of the Hauraki Rail Trail’s Rail Tunnel Loop will be closed during the work. The walkway on the other side of the river will remain open.
People are encouraged to check the latest highway conditions before travelling.
Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) Website: nzta.govt.nz
