26 Jun 2023

Coromandel businesses face another bump in road on SH25

From Checkpoint, 6:08 pm on 26 June 2023

Coromandel businesses are facing another massive bump in the road, or rather a slip, that Waka Kotahi is working overtime to clear from State Highway 25.

It's blocking lanes in both directions at Ruamahunga, meaning motorists have to take the long way around the peninsula via the Karangahake Gorge to get in and out of Whitianga and Coromandel town.

Waka Kotahi says contractors are clearing away around 360 cubic metres of material, and abseilers are being used to bring down debris from cliff above.

The road will remain closed overnight. That's in addition to State Highway 25a being closed indefinitely.

And with the school holiday's starting at the end of the week, the latest damage means more uncertainty for already hard hit businesses.

Lynda Grant is chair of the Mercury Bay Business Association and spoke to Lisa Owen