Work will begin the week of 4 May to repair a roadside slip on Arawa Avenue in Maketū.
Due to archaeological investigations, the road may at times be closed to traffic, however it will not be closed for the full duration of the project, which is expected to take 6-8 weeks to complete, weather dependent.
Detours will be in place along little Waihī Road and Wilson Road North while the road is closed and the site will be under Stop/Go traffic management at other times during the project.
The slip developed during a weather event in June 2023 and is located at the upper end of Arawa Avenue, around 400m from the intersection with Wilson Road North.
A midden is visible within the slip, and kōiwi were previously discovered in the slipped material.
Given the known archaeological significance of the site, specialist oversight will be in place throughout the project. If any further kōiwi are uncovered, work will stop immediately and appropriate protocols will be followed in partnership with mana whenua.
“We’re working closely with iwi and archaeologists to ensure the site is treated with care and all cultural processes are properly followed throughout the works,” says Calum McLean, Western Bay of Plenty District Council Director Transportation.
The contractor completing the work, J Swap, is also currently working on Wilson Road North. Council has coordinated the projects to ensure the two roads will not be closed at the same time.
“We know these works may cause some disruption, so we’ve made sure Arawa Avenue and Wilson Road North won’t be closed simultaneously,” says Calum.
“We appreciate the community’s patience while we carry out this work safely and manage the site with the care it requires.”
You can follow the project at yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/arawa-avenue-slip-repair
