Improvement works in Cromwell Gorge will involve delays for motorists

Roadworks to increase the resilience and safety of State Highway 8 between Cromwell and Clyde are due to start this week.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said the works will result in delays for road users in both directions, as intermittent traffic stops will be in operation for up to eight weeks along the Cromwell Gorge slopes and benches.

NZTA project manager John O’Neill said crews will work to clear debris from the benches and assess stability at the Clyde end of the Cromwell Gorge.

“While we appreciate delays are frustrating, this is an essential piece of work which will improve the resilience, as well as the safety of the network, with debris removed from above road level. We ask road users for patience and understanding.”

The benches are 2km north of Clyde and have been in existence for around 40 years. They were constructed upslope as part of the development of SH8 during the creation of Lake Dunstan and the Clyde Hydro Dam.

The site of the NZTA work just north of Clyde. SUPPLIED.

Crews with abseilers will be using mechanical methods to remove any unstable rock, with drilling and blasting if required when there is no traffic underneath the benches.

Works will run from Monday March 10 to Friday May 16, from 8am to 5pm each weekday.

Traffic will be held in both directions intermittently as required. Drivers need to build in delays of up to 15 minutes for the next two months, weekdays.