FYI – State Highway 59 remains CLOSED due to slips
State Highway 59 between Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay remains closed today, with large slips still to be cleared by roading crews.
The highway was closed yesterday and overnight after slips yesterday. This morning, further slips have come down along this section of road.
Contractors are working hard to restore the road. However, continuing rain means the chance of further slips remains.
This section of State Highway 59 will remain closed today, Saturday 20 August, and a further update on its status will be provided tomorrow morning, Sunday 21 August, or as soon as the road opens.
Pukerua Bay residents can access from the south. Paekākāriki resident access is to the north. All other road users should avoid the area and use State Highway 1, Transmission Gully, as an alternative route.
Bad weather continues to affect Wellington, with numerous slips, rockfalls, and fallen trees on roads across the region. Road users should check roads are open before they travel, drive to the conditions, watch their following distances, and be prepared for delays.
State Highway 59 between Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay will remain closed following a further slip on the route this afternoon.
The highway was closed by a slip this morning. However, a second slip came down this afternoon, further blocking the road.
At this stage, the slope is too unstable for the route to reopen, and it will stay closed overnight. An update on its status will be provided by midday tomorrow, Saturday 20 August.
Road users should avoid the area and use State Highway 1, Transmission Gully, as an alternative route.
Bad weather continues to affect Wellington. Slips, rockfalls, and fallen trees are dangers on roads across the region. Road users should drive to the conditions, watch their following distances, and keep an eye out for road hazards.
State Highway 59 is closed between Pukerua Bay and Paekākāriki due to a slip at Arlie Road. Crews are also on-site dealing with fallen trees at Motuhara Road in Plimmerton and around Grays Road. High tide is at 2pm, and there is more rain forecast, Porirua City Council advises drivers to please take extra care and report any issues via the Antenno app (Android, Apple), or phone 04 237 5089.
Pukerua Bay shared pathway improvements due to start September 2022
PCC has provided the following information:
Work to continue upgrading the shared pathway through Pukerua Bay is due to start next month.
This work is Stage Two of a project that began last year and will include upgrades to the intersections at Pukerua Beach Rd / Haunui Rd / SH59 and Wairaka Rd / SH59 (See layout plans 4, 5, 6).
As budget allows, other improvements proposed will be delivered in the following order:
Haunui Rd zig-zag path realignment (moving bottom of path away from road) – Layout plan 8
Shared path widening (Haunui Rd to Pa Rd) – Layout plan 9
Pedestrian drop ramp on Haunui Rd (to provide a connection to the zig zag path) – Layout plan 7.
The work is due to start by mid-September (the exact start date is still being worked through).
Extensive traffic management will be in place for all works so residents can expect some disruptions for between 8 and 10 weeks while the works are completed.
Pukerua Bay Residents living near the works will be notified via a letter in the coming weeks.
Porirua City Council is managing the project, which is 100 percent funded by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency through its programme of highway cycle improvements.
Stage One of this project was completed in July 2021.
It included the following improvements:
Widening the zig zag pathway between Haunui Road and SH59 to make it easier for cyclists, particularly on the bends. This work included tree removal, re-asphalting the pathway and introducing holdrail in places
Improved pathway directional signage from the lookout at the northern end of Pukerua Bay to Porirua Railway Station
Pedestrian improvements through the northern lookout site.
*NB: In response to resident’s requests, extensive conversations were had with Waka Kotahi about installing a barrier or similar at the bottom of the zig-zag path to stop an errant rider from landing on SH59, however the barrier needed to be able to be compliant for vehicle drivers and not just provide protection for cyclists which meant that what was suitable for protecting cyclists was not safe or acceptable for the road environment and passing traffic. We have therefore opted to remove a couple of trees at the bottom of the zig-zag and widen the path to improve sightlines between path users at this pinch point.
Wairaka Rd and SH59Pukerua Beach Rd and SH59Pukerua Beach Rd and SH59Haunui Rd Entrance to PathwayHaunui Rd to SH59 PathwayFrom Haunui pathway to Pa Road
Hi Gardeners, The Pukerua Bay Community Garden and Food Forest team presents:
Pruning and Tool Care Workshop Date: Saturday 13 August, 10am – 12 noon (ical) Venue: Pukerua Bay Community Garden, Muri Road, by Old Muri Station (map)
PRUNING
Hannah Swartz will be demonstrating winter pruning care for our fruit trees. Thanks to NZ Organic Garden magazine for their donation to host this event.
TOOLS
Hannah will also talk about care and maintenance of your garden tools. We are lucky to have two local experts that will help you with any of your tools you bring along. We are asking for a Koha to the garden for this service.
FOR SALE
Our seeds will be available for you to purchase (with cash).
As always, everyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing you in the garden (weather permitting!)
Hi Gardeners,
The Pukerua Bay Community Garden and Food Forest team presents:
Pruning and Tool Care Workshop
Join us on SATURDAY AUGUST 13th, 10am – 12 noon.
PRUNING
Hannah Swartz will be demonstrating winter pruning care for our fruit trees.
Thanks to NZ Organic Garden magazine for their donation to host this event.
TOOLS
Hannah will also talk about care and maintenance of your garden tools. We are lucky to have two local experts that will help you with any of your tools you bring along. We are asking for a Koha to the garden for this service.
FOR SALE
Our seeds will be available for you to purchase (with cash).
As always, everyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing you in the garden. (Weather permitting!)
Waka Kotahi has advised there will be work tonight to repair the crash barrier at the corner of State Highway 59 and Pukerua Beach Road (map). The work is being done at night when there are fewer vehicles so it can complete the job quickly, efficiently and safely without causing major traffic delays.
Work area, corner State Highway 59 and Pukerua Beach Road (map)
