Doing this work now will also support investigations under way into a long-term, resilient solution for this part of the highway, which has been affected by movement of an historical landslip.

Since the current restrictions were put in place, increased ground monitoring and drainage improvements have been carried out. From early December, road users will see drilling and excavation equipment on site, as well as increased truck movements and temporary changes to traffic management. There may be some stop-go controls in place from time to time, to allow for further drainage improvements, road repairs and lane realignment.

Waka Kotahi is aiming to have the road at normal operating conditions by the end of March, while they continue the preliminary work necessary to design and plan a lasting solution for this section of road.