25 August 2008 - 1pm

Kawakawa Bay access restored

Southern access to Kawakawa Bay has been restored following a slip on Kawakawa-Orere Road last night.

However the northern access to Kawakawa Bay and Orere remains closed.

The closure of Kawakawa-Clevedon Road just north of Kawakawa Bay will be reviewed later today. It was closed on Sunday following heavy rain which caused approximately 500 cubic metres of earth to come down onto the road.

The closure means approximately 1500 people living in the area currently need to use a longer alternative route. People driving to and from the Kawakawa Bay and Orere Point area should go via Kaiaua and use State Highway One and Two.

The slip, which also partially closed the road at the beginning of the month, has been caused by heavy rain over a long period.

Manukau City Council Economic Director Rick Walden says it became necessary to close the road to make sure there are no risks to public safety.

"Road closures are a major inconvenience for people living in the area and others who regularly use it. But we can't take the risk that more land will slip down onto the road.

"The council is continuing to monitor the slips and will regularly update the community on what is happening," Mr Walden says

Owners of the property at the top of slip have moved out as a precaution. They have geotechnical experts monitoring the affect of the slip on the property.

People driving to the Kawakawa Bay and Orere Point area should use the following alternative routes:

State Highway 1 - State Highway 2 - East Coast Road via Kaiaua. From Clevedon: Monument Rd -Sky High Rd - Hunua Rd - Paparimu Rd. See attached detour routes.

Electronic message signs with updates and detour signs are up along roads in the area. There will be regular updates through the council call centre (phone 262 5104) and at www.manukau.govt.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media