Local community, council, central government and contractor representatives have gathered at Kererū Gorge to mark the opening of a new culvert that will reconnect the key route to Hastings.
One of 19 Hastings district bridges or large culverts lost in Cyclone Gabrielle, the Kererū Gorge culvert is the second major permanent rebuild to be completed following the reopening of Chrystal Culvert last year.
Flood damage from the cyclone resulted in the loss of about 50 metres of Kererū Road, the loss of the culvert drainage, and erosion of the stream to around eight metres below its previous level, making the gully about 18 metres deep.
The culvert that previously provided access over Whanaukini Stream has been replaced with a larger permanent structure, in this case, a deep-fill multi-plate culvert and headwall. Following these works, the road was then rebuilt on top.
Designed and built by Stantec and Fulton Hogan Civil, the 15-metre-wide large arch culvert has been designed to raise the road, allowing for any future flood waters to pass underneath.
Hastings Mayor, Sandra Hazlehurst acknowledged Minister of Rural Affairs, Mark Patterson and Tukituki MP, Catherine Wedd, who both attended the official opening.
She said the news would be very welcome for the Maraekākaho and Kererū communities.
“Today was a huge celebration – a day we have been waiting for for a long time and many residents braved the walk down to join us,” the Mayor said.
“These residents have faced huge disruptions for a long time while this work has been undertaken.
“They’ve had long detours over Salisbury Road, and we appreciate their patience while this new structure has been built to a standard that will provide connection as well as ongoing resilience for the Kererū community.”
Councillor Marcus Buddo said the reopening of Kererū Gorge was a huge moment for the community.
“The last two years have been incredibly tough out here. The long detours via Salisbury Road have added hours to daily routines, impacting families, local businesses, and the school community. This reopening means Kererū can move forward from the damage of Cyclone Gabrielle, reconnected and resilient,” he said.
The Council says further works below the road level will continue for about six more weeks to close out the project. Separate to this project, recovery works are continuing in the wider area including repairs to Olrig Bridge and slip stabilisation works.
