Meanwhile, in Tararua Country....

Manawatu Gorge slip too risky to clear

By MICHAEL FORBES - The Dominion Post | 4:51PM - Thursday, 27 October 2011

EARTH-MOVING MACHINES in the blocked Manawatu Gorge have been idle for the past 10 days and it is not known when they will re-start.

The New Zealand Transport Agency says concerns over the stability of the hillside have prevented heavy machinery from clearing debris since torrential rain brought a further 20,000 cubic metres down on top of State Highway 3 on October 17.

It was the latest in a series of slips that have kept the gorge closed for all but three days since August 18.

The agency does not know when the gorge will re-open but estimates it could be shut well into December, which would surpass its longest-ever closure of 70 days in 2004.

State Highways Manager David McGonigal said allowing work crews to operate below an unstable slip face was just too risky.

This decision to pull the workers out was made after close consultation with engineers, geologists and geotechnical engineers, Mr McGonigal said.

In the interim, NZTA would concentrate on maintaining alternate routes, Saddle Road and the Pahiatua Track, he said.

"We know how important this route is to the local economy. We are itching to get the slip cleared as soon as possible so people's lives can return to normal, but we cannot put people's lives at risk."

"We know this isn't what people want to hear and we're frustrated too, but given the latest massive slip on 17 October, the goalposts have shifted again and we've had to adjust our plans."

Mr McGonigal said it was likely further slips would occur, especially during heavy rainfall or strong earthquake shaking.

"Some of these risks may still be significant, and the safety of workers is our top priority right now."

To re-open the road, the agency will need to stabilise the hillside, clear the slip material from the road, check the bridge structures and carry out remedial work, he said. The project team are looking at way to achieve this.

"Every option we're looking at has its own risks in regards to safety, effectiveness and time, and these all need to be carefully assessed before we go in all guns blazing."

The agency expects to announce its final "plan of attack" in the next two to three weeks.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/5864494/Manawatu-Gorge-slip-too-risky-to-clear