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Three months on from the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle, State Highway 2 is set to reopen between Wairoa and Napier on May 14.
The cyclone in February left roads and highways unrecognisable in the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne regions, with slips, washouts and flooding forcing long term closures and a hefty repair job.
A Waka Kotahi spokesperson said restoring access to the damaged stretch of highway had moved faster than expected, thanks to the accelerated construction of the Waikare Gorge bailey bridge.
Favourable weather had allowed work on the bailey bridge to progress while contractors worked on several other damaged sites, including at Devil’s Elbow, clearing landslips and debris.
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Waka Kotahi regional manager of maintenance and operations Jaclyn Hankin said the progress reflected the hard work of everyone involved.
“We know how much reopening this section of road will mean for people and we’re thrilled to be able to get it open earlier than expected.”
“Restoring this access has been an absolute priority for Waka Kotahi. Cyclone Gabrielle caused significant damage across the state highway network in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay, and we’ve worked hard to restore access as quickly and safely as possible.”
Supplied
Cyclone Gabrielle destruction in Hawke’s Bay: ‘Devil’s Elbow’ on the Napier-Wairoa Road on SH2. (File photo)
Hankin said the road would look “very different” to the way it did before the cyclone.
“This stretch of SH2 initially saw damage to almost 100 sites – the most damage suffered of any of our regions’ roads.
“While we understand just how important it has been to get the road open as quickly as possible, it’s been crucial to take the time to ensure the road is as safe and resilient as it possibly can be following so much damage,” he said.
Traffic management plans and restrictions were still being finalised to ensure contractors would be able to continue making repairs to the road.
The new bailey bridge at Waikare Gorge will be blessed by Ngāti Pāhauwera and Maungaharuru-Tangitu Trust on Saturday May 13, before the entire route reopens to the public on Sunday May 14.
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