Drivers and cyclists using State Highway 6 Rocks Road will face changes to the road layout, with resilience works ramping up from early June.
The changes will begin from Sunday, 7 June and continue until November as part of ongoing work to reduce slip and rockfall risk on the cliff face beside the busy coastal route.
Temporary traffic management will be installed on Rocks Road from the Basin Reserve for about 300 metres towards Tahunanui.
The set-up will allow contractors to work from both the base and the top of the cliff face, increasing the resources on site.
Both lanes of the highway will remain open, but they will be shifted closer to the seaside to create a safe work area.
Impact on cyclists and pedestrians
The temporary layout will take up the existing cycle lanes, meaning cyclists will need to use the traffic lane through the work zone. A 30kmh temporary speed limit will be in place.
Cyclists are encouraged to 'claim the lane' by riding in the middle of it to ensure they are visible and safe while passing through the site, before returning to the cycle lanes once they exit the area.
Clear signage and speed detection message boards will be installed in both directions to reinforce the reduced speed limit.
All road users are reminded to follow the 30kmh limit and share the road with care.
The footpath will remain open at all times for pedestrians. Cyclists who prefer not to ride in the traffic lane can dismount and walk their bikes along the footpath past the work area.
Planned works
The project aims to strengthen the cliff face and reduce ongoing risks to people travelling along SH6.
Work includes:
Local businesses along Rocks Road will remain open during the works, and the community is encouraged to continue supporting them.
