As at 5pm Monday, 16 June:
We’re pleased to share some good news. The weather has been nice and dry for the last few days, so the roading team were able to complete the final road resurfacing last night, and the road markings are being completed today Monday, 16 June 2025.
Herepuru Road is now fully reopened, and the road works are officially finished.
A huge thank you to everyone in the area for your patience and support while we carried out this important mahi.
Ngā mihi nui
Transport Team
FAQs
- What’s happening?
A retaining wall on Herepuru Road has reached the end of its design life and is showing signs of failure. We need to close a section of Herepuru Road for 8-12 weeks while we construct the new wall.
- When is this happening?
The closure will be in place from 31 March 2025 to 16 June 2025, weather permitting.
- What are we doing?
Safeguarding the current road by constructing a new retaining wall. The new design extends the length of the existing structure and will provide long-term resilience for the road and surrounding area.
- Why is the retaining wall being replaced?
The retaining wall has reached the end of its design life and needs to be replaced to ensure the long-term safety and resilience of the road and surrounding area. This will contribute to improving the overall standard and safety of the Whakatāne District roading network.
- What detour will be in place?
Hereperu Road will be accessible via the Awakaponga end of SH2 / Caverhill Road / Manawahe Road / Herepuru Road.
- Will the entire length of Herepuru Road be closed?
No, the road is closed in part. This closure only affects a section of Herepuru Road at the SH2 / Matatā Straights end.
Hereperu Road will still be accessible via the Awakaponga end of SH2 / Caverhill Road / Manawahe Road / Herepuru Road.
- How long will the road be closed?
The road will be closed for approximately 8-12 weeks to complete the work safely and efficiently. The programmed start date is 31/03/2025, and works are expected to be completed by 30/05/2025, weather permitting.
- Will the timeline change?
Work is weather dependant. We will keep the community updated with any changes. Geotechnical work to understand the underlying ground conditions has been undertaken, however, a small risk remains of site conditions not matching the assumptions made from the geotechnical work exactly which may result in an increase in scale of the works.
- How will this closure impact me?
The closure will impact residents making use of SH2 from Hereperu Road. We understand this will be inconvenient, but a planned closure is far preferable to complete wall failure.
- Will there be pedestrian access through the worksite?
There will be no walking/pedestrian access through the site, as it will be an open excavation down to 3m from the current road level.
- How is this being paid for?
The works are approved under the current LTP budget and receives NZTA subsidy.
- How can I stay up to date?
We encourage you to keep an eye on this webpage and our Facebook and Instagram pages for regular updates. Directly affected residents will continue to receive letters as the project progresses. If you wish to receive updates via email, please email roading@whakatane.govt.nz to be added to our Herepuru Road email database.
