Council reviews options on slip-prone Ōtaki Gorge

27 JANUARY 2016

The Kāpiti Coast District Council is working with consultants on viable long-term options to restore public access to the popular Ōtaki Forks area which was closed just before Christmas because of the danger of a major slip.

Ōtaki Gorge Road was closed at Blue Bluff, 13 kilometers inland from SH1, after contractors clearing debris from an earlier slip noticed cracks and deep fissures 300metres above the road.

Work ceased immediately, warning signs were put up and the road has remained closed ever since.

Acting Access and Transport Manager, Tony Martin says the Council is working with a geologist and engineers to see what can realistically be done long term to restore access to the area.

“We have a geologist examining the composition of the rock and known fault lines at the site and comparing it with historical data to learn more about what is happening.”

Mr Martin says the area has always been challenging to manage. “This hillside has been moving for many years and has been subject to significant slips. The current road was actually routed around and over a previous slip. In fact the river is now where the original road used to be so the area has always been very active. “

While the Council reviews possible long term solutions it has also engaged surveyors to undertake on-going monitoring of the site to determine what movement is taking place.

“The surveyors have established ‘datum’ or reference points in various locations and these will be monitored at least every two weeks or after severe weather. This will give us a clear picture of how quickly the slip is moving. The survey information, along with geotechnical advice will help determine whether the problem is in the surface layers or is much deeper-seated.”

Mr Martin says the assessment will go on for at least the next few months and once Council has the data it can start looking at future options but says it’s too early to speculate on what they may be.

In the meantime The Department of conservation (DOC) is looking at creating an alternative walking track to enable trampers to access Ōtaki Forks and Tararua Forest Park.

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