The rain has arrived - at last - and it looks like winter is on its way. For Tararua District Council’s roading team at the Tararua Alliance, the coming weeks are focused on clearing gutters in the towns and jet-blasting culverts on the rural road network, to make sure roadside drainage is clear before the winter weather sets in.

Out on Route 52, emergency works and stabilising crews are continuing for as long as possible while conditions allow. Emergency works on selected sites are progressing under a winter works agreement with Horizons Regional Council and Iwi. The winter works agreement ensures that sites are suitable for work to continue at this time of year, and that the appropriate environmental controls are in place.

Erosion and sediment control plans are required for all sites that are set to continue through the cooler, wetter months, and water retention pond capacities are suitable for winter rainfall.

Tararua Alliance Manager, Daniel Erard, says maintaining momentum with the roading recovery remains a priority and the winter works agreement ensures that emergency works over winter are done safely for both workers and the environment.

Emergency works sites with the green light to continue while conditions allow, are Route 52, River Road, Ormondville Te- Uri Road, Matamau-Ormondville Road, Owahanga Road and Mangaone Valley Road.

In urban areas, maintenance crews are at the ready when needed. To report roading issues or blocked drains, please call Tararua District Council 24/7 on (06) 374 4080 (North) or (06) 376 0110 (South). Or report any issues using the Antenno app.