Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) is preparing to begin further drainage and slope stability improvements at State Highway 35 (SH35) Paronga (D9), south of Te Araroa. 

The work will begin this Thursday (16 July) and is expected to be complete by Christmas.

From Thursday, people travelling through the area should expect short delays, with one-way stop/go traffic management in place from Monday to Friday, 6am to 6pm while work is underway.

There are two recovery sites approximately 5 kilometres apart that involve improving drainage and strengthening the resilience of the highway and surrounding hillsides.

At Site A, south of Te Araroa, crews will construct a new gabion retaining wall, install improved drainage systems and complete road reinstatement works.

At Site C, located further south, two reinforced earth buttresses will be built to strengthen and stabilise the slope. The work will also include upgraded drainage and subsoil systems designed to better manage water and reduce ground movement.

As part of the work at these sites, culverts will also be checked and roadside drainage improved to help manage stormwater and reduce erosion.