State Highway 1 across the Brynderwyns will be open for six days for the Easter weekend from Thursday, March 28 to Tuesday, April 2.
Weather events last year caused severe under and over-slips, leading to a lengthy closure of a major part of the roading network for "critical restoration work".
Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) director of regional relationship Steven Mutton today acknowledged the inconvenience caused to the Northland community, freight groups, industries and road users while the route has been closed.
"The detour routes do take longer, especially for freight, and we hope that this brief re-opening will provide some reprieve ahead of the final closure block next month," he said.
"During the six-day reopening people can expect to see safety measures in place near to areas crews have been working. We ask all road users to allow extra time for their journey as traffic volumes will be increased over the holiday period."
A huge amount of work has been undertaken so far and the project team is well on track to complete the remaining work requiring a full closure after the Easter break, Mutton said.
More than 520 staff have worked to cut more than 127,000 cubic metres of soil from the hillside as well as excavating, hydroseeding and installing retaining walls.
Northland-based reporter Helen Castles went to check out the progress of "critical restoration work" on the major road. (Source: 1News)
Transport Minister Simeon Brown visited the construction site where workers were preparing the route for a temporary reopening from this Thursday.
"As Kiwis start to prepare their travel plans for Easter, the Government is encouraging New Zealanders to support, visit, and explore Northland as the region remains open for business," he said.
"We know that this route is a crucial connection to and from Northland for both people and freight, so getting it opened for the long Easter weekend has been a priority."
Northland Inc chief executive Paul Linton said he is looking forward to seeing people travel north for their holidays this Easter.
"We encourage people to explore the amazing places, businesses and people that Northland has to offer and to take a trip Northland style, making the journey through the winterless north part of their holiday, not just the destination."
NZTA is warning motorists of "temporary barriers in place and reduced speed limits", during their travels in the region.
"We know there is considerable interest in the work that has been completed during the closure to date, however we'd like to remind people that there is strictly no stopping on any state highways unless there is an emergency," Mutton said.
Following Easter, the Brynderwyns will close again from 12.01am on Wednesday, April 3 until 11.59pm Sunday, May 12 to complete the remaining work that requires a full closure.
All recovery works are expected to be complete by late 2024.
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