SH8 slip being assessed this morning

An aerial view of the slip causing delays near the entrance to Cromwell. Photo: NZTA
An aerial view of the slip causing delays near the entrance to Cromwell. Photo: NZTA
A geotechnical assessment will be carried out this morning at the site of the slip near Cromwell and a small group of abseilers will clear material on areas where it is safe to work.

Speed restrictions were in place at State Highway 8 through the weekend but two lanes were open for traffic.

Shipping containers were brought in at the foot of the slip last week, allowing the road to reopen to two lanes and enabling safe access to the slip site for workers.

The slip — about 30m long, 20m wide and 15m deep — came down on Tuesday last week.

Helicopters with monsoon buckets dumped water on the site to dislodge loose material.

An initial assessment last week showed the slip’s movement was complex and unpredictable.

The job of stabilising the hillside and removing loose material is likely to take several weeks.

"The slip is moving at different rates in different locations and the scale and complexity of the slip means it will take some time to safely stabilise the site," NZ Transport Agency maintenance contract manager Mark Stewart said before the weekend.

“We are constantly monitoring the slip to ensure that the road remains safe for people to use."

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement