NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says the slip reduced traffic to a single lane for a short, 3-4 hour period on Sunday evening before the road was reinstated to 2 lanes with a temporary speed restriction still in place. 

SH1 Brynderwyn Hills suffered significant damage from severe weather events in early 2023, resulting in severe underslips and overslips. A range of recovery and enabling works were then carried out, finishing last year, to help the road better withstand future weather events. 

The work, which included soil nailing, mesh, drainage improvements and benching (levels cut into the hillside), reduces the likelihood of overslips by contributing to a more stable hillside.  The wider road shoulder also provides space to clear any slips with less disruption to traffic, in the event one does occur. 

Auckland and Northland Regional Manager Maintenance and Operations, Jacqui Hori-Hoult, says the slip highlighted the effectiveness of recent recovery works by minimising disruption to traffic. 

“Keeping this key route open during severe weather events, like Cyclone Tam, was exactly what the recently completed recovery work was designed for. 

“The benches caught falling trees and debris, preventing the majority of the slip from reaching the road, avoiding a full highway closure and ensuring we were able to maintain access for road users at all times across the busy Easter holiday weekend.” 

Crews will continue to monitor the slip and work to remove the trees and debris on the benches above the highway will take place on Thursday, ahead of the long weekend. 

Delays due to the temporary speed restrictions were minimal, even with an increase in traffic due to the holidays. 

“We appreciate everyone’s patience as our crews worked hard across the weekend to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently across the region.” 

Longer-term, a Brynderwyn Hills alternative will be part of the Te Hana to Port Marsden section of the Northland Corridor, made up of 3 Roads of National Significance (RoNS). 

For more information about the resilience work, please visit: SH1 Brynderwyn Hills | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi 

For more information about the Northland Corridor, including Section 2 Te Hana to Port Marsden, which includes a Brynderwyn Hills alternative, please visit: Northland Corridor | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi 

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