Update: 25.06.13 -Waikato District Council now says that the Raglan-Kawhia direct road is reopened.
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Original article:
There is no direct road access between Raglan and Kawhia. A major slip has closed roads. The recommended route is via Whatawhata, Pirongia and Tihiroa on State Highways 39 and 31. Waikato District Council has not given a time when the roads will be open again, but says, “It will get to it”.
Slips cause road closures in Raglan-Kawhia area
Recent bad weather and a major slip in the Raglan – Kawhia area on Te Papatapu Road overnight has resulted in its closure to through traffic south of Waitere Road.
The adjoining Kauroa –Kawhia Road is still closed due to a previous slip and as a result, there is currently no access to Kawhia from Raglan with no alternate route on the west side of the Raglan Deviation. The suggested route is via State Highway 39 from Whatawhata and using State Highway 31from Tihiroa to Kawhia.
Waikato District Council General Manager Service Delivery Tim Harty says contractors are currently on site assessing damage to the area however until a full geotechnical investigation can be completed to ascertain the most appropriate repair, the road will remain closed until further notice.
Mr Harty says “This activity is a timely reminder that it is important to take care when driving on rural roads during and after heavy rain. Slips can occur without warning and drivers should exercise caution, even on roads they know well.”
He says residents can help reduce the risk of damage to roads by reporting any blocked drains or culverts which can overflow and lead to flooding or slips. Any hazards spotted on the Council roading network can be reported anytime by calling 0800 492 452.
Meanwhile work has recently been completed to clear three major slips on Waikato district roads as a result of a storm last July.
Te Puroa Road near Ngaruawahia, Ponganui Road southwest of Onewhero, and Ohautira Road near Raglan were among 24 serious slips caused by the July 2012 storm, some of which have yet to be fully cleared.
“It shows just how much rainfall we had during this one storm event that we are still cleaning up after it almost a year on.”
Mr Harty says “While it’s unfortunate that we have yet to fully clear all the slips, the reality is we have to stay within our budget for maintaining the roading network, and that means prioritising the projects to be completed. We have identified all the slips to be repaired and we will get to them when we can.”
For further information on the road closure or slip maintenance please contact Waikato District Council 0800 492 452.