Rock-scaling work planned for State Highway 29 is being postponed because of predicted poor weather.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said the works planned at the Ruahihi Bluffs near the Ruahihi Power Station would now take place from Sunday, December 7.

In a statement, the roading agency said SH29 would now close for five nights so the work could be done.

“The closure times will also be shorter than previously communicated, between 8pm and 3.30am each night, reopening early Friday morning, December 12.”

The work will involve abseilers working above the road to dislodge vegetation and rocks from the top and faces of the bluffs.

“Depending on weather, some other overnight work on SH29 planned for next week may continue, but will operate under single-lane stop/go closures and the state highway will remain open.”

NZTA said the works were weather-sensitive and, if rain prevented them from going ahead on any of the planned nights, additional night closures would be needed.

These would be publicised as early as possible so road users could plan ahead.

NZTA planned to take full advantage of the closures to undertake other work at multiple sites along the highway.

This included structural asphalt rehabilitation, chipseal resurfacing, localised drainage works, road marking and surface repairs.

“We occasionally close SH29 for essential maintenance works. The full closures allow us to complete the work safely and efficiently, benefiting both road worker crews and road users,” system manager Sandra King said.

SH29 connects New Zealand’s largest port with the wider Golden Triangle region. With approximately 14,000 vehicles, including thousands of heavy vehicles, using the road daily, maintaining it was essential for safety and accessibility, she said.

“We’ve worked closely with freight operators and roading contractors to co-ordinate the best possible schedule for these closures. By confirming specific days and times, road users and freight operators can plan ahead to minimise disruptions to themselves and their customers.”

Detours to avoid the closures would be significant and add considerable time to journeys.

People were encouraged to check the NZTA website’s journey planner and allow extra time or, if possible, delay travel over SH29 on these nights.

Alternative routes

North: SH2 via Karangahake Gorge, SH24, SH27, SH26

South: all vehicles: SH5, SH30, SH33, SH2 via Rotorua

South: light vehicles: SH5, SH36 via Rotorua

SH28 will be closed at the Harwood Rd/SH5 intersection during this time.

The closure points on the western (Waikato) side are at the SH29/24 and SH29/28 intersections, and on the eastern (BOP) side at the SH29/Cambridge Road intersection.

Emergency services would have access at all times, the roading agency said.

“Residents will also be able to access their property from the relevant side of the closure. However, within the closure, the state highway will be fully closed at Ruahihi and a number of other sites. These sites will open on the hour every hour each night to allow residents through.”

In addition to the Kaimai closures, the summer maintenance programme has begun on the Bay of Plenty side of the Kaimai Range and will run through to May.

Five worksites are scheduled for rebuilding or resurfacing to ensure the route remains safe, reliable, and fit for purpose.