A narrow gravel back road in south Waikato has been closed to non-residents after unsuitable vehicles and trucks used it as a detour during the closure of State Highway 3 through the Awakino Gorge, with road workers also abused by drivers.
Waitomo District Council closed Taumatamaire Road at NZ Transport Agency's request, saying the single-lane, winding road was never built to handle the volume and weight of traffic normally carried by SH3. NZTA contractors were also being abused by drivers.
"Respect goes a long way. Please respect our road workers and respect the road closures," the council said.
An NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) spokesperson said crews on SH3 had experienced antisocial behaviour from road users, and asked drivers to remember who was doing the work.
"Please be patient and respectful towards our crews, who are members of your community, simply doing their job: working to improve our roads for the community," the spokesperson said.
NZTA said SH1 and SH4 remained the best alternative routes for freight while SH3 is closed, with SH43 not designated as a detour because of its alignment and isolation.
Taumatamaire Road will reopen to non-residents once NZTA's work is finished.
Crews have made "excellent progress" at the major slip site, with all four culverts now installed.
If conditions are dry enough for asphalting, SH3 through the Awakino Gorge is expected to reopen from 6pm tomorrow under the same one-lane, stop/go traffic management used before the closure.
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