Ohakune Old Coach Road cycle way closed for repairs

Following Tuesday’s severe rain event DOC staff have walked through the Old Coach Road cycle-way to check for damage. There have been some extensive impacts from flooding along the cycle way, which have meant the department has been forced to close the Old Coach Road cycle-way between the Hapuawhenua Viaduct and Horopito.

There is signage in place which will remain in position until the department is able to make what amounts to significant repairs to both the track and some of the structures on it. The main issues were the bridge across the Haeremaere stream has been taken out and is now sitting parallel to the stream on the true right bank. The bridge across the Taonui stream has been taken out completely by floodwater and has not yet been located.

There is also surface damage over various parts of the track. Approximately 100m of this is significant damage that needs to be addressed immediately to avoid further damage. A 30m section of the new track north of the Hapuawhenua Viaduct has slumped leaving a 30m long crack in the surface, and a large wind throw is blocking off a 30m section of the new track, 200m from the Skyline historic section, towards the Taonui stream. There has also been some damage to the Mangawhero forest walk where the river joined the track.

The department will be working to re-instate these tracks as quickly as weather and workloads permit, and advise users to check in with the Ohakune I-site for the latest updates before attempting a trip along the full length of the Ohakune Old Coach Road. Return trips from Marshalls Road end up to Hapuawhenua Viaduct are still an option at this stage.

---ENDS----

© Scoop Media