15 Oct 2008

Work set to begin on highway realignment

3:07 pm on 15 October 2008

Construction will start next week on a $2.5 million project to re-align State Highway 35 north of Ruatoria.

A major slip in August forced the closure of the highway for almost a week.

The New Zealand Transport Agency estimates the resulting disruption cost the east coast economy more than $500,000.

Regional manager Rob Bramley says the new road should be completed by February.

Maori landowners have made five hectares of land available for 1km of the new road and Mr Bramley acknowledged their co-operation and generosity.