North Rural Auckland flood recovery progress North Rural Auckland flood recovery progress
Significant progress has been made across the Auckland region over the last month on permanent repairs to storm damaged roads. In the North Rural area there are 358 slips, 80 of which are defined as ‘major’.
Read the North Rural Flood Recovery Update - March 2024 and keep updated on the progress of the repair work in your area.
We ask for patience while trying to repair sites all over Auckland.
To report new issues, please contact us.
Ahuroa Road, Puhoi
Ahuroa road was severely damaged during last year’s storm events and closed at the top of Ahuroa hill by J Tolhopf Road, effectively spitting the Ahuroa community in half. Eight under-slips were identified, and major geotechnical investigations were done to inform the rebuild.
The first designs were approved in May and a staged construction started; however, the underlying rock layer was deeper than thought and works were put on hold during a re-design involving the consideration of six options. Work kicked off again toward the end of last year.
8 April
The construction team is installing the last of the 300m of piling and continuing to install the capping beam, poured to support the retaining wall and road.
18 March 2024
All 900mm 17m piles are in and Downer is now installing 900mm 12m piles using steel casing.
February 2024
Downer is making good progress with 73 of 150 piles (some up to 17 metres deep) and 80 soil nails in place.
January 2024
Downer has now reestablished all construction equipment on site in preparation for the months ahead. The team is drilling and filling piles on the upper section of the site and the road will continue to remain closed for the duration of these works.
December 2023
Downer, on behalf of Auckland Transport (AT), continues to make progress on the remediation of the roadway on Ahuroa Hill. Since construction activities
began, a total of 16 piles have been drilled across the two sections. This is a considerable effort given the ground conditions which includes hard rock at a much lower depth than expected.
The construction team will be taking a break over the holiday period, from Thursday 22nd December 2023 returning on Monday 8th January 2024. During
this period the road will remain closed with all current temporary traffic management remaining in place.
26 October 2023
Ahuroa Road is proving difficult to repair. The original design was completed and works began in July 2023 on the permanent reinstatement. Unfortunately, the underlying rock layer is substantially deeper than thought, which has required a review of design options and a temporary hold on works.
AT is assessing six new design options and will select the most appropriate. Once we have the preferred option, Downer and AT will be able to provide programme information to the community around timing and options.
AT remains committed to the successful completion of these works and expects that we will be able restart construction within four weeks and have the road open by April 2024.
10 October 2023
On Ahuroa Road, several major slips have completely closed the road through to Puhoi from Ahuroa. There has been considerable progress to date on the slip at Ahuroa Hill RP8200-8600. Soil nails (acting like anchors) are in place which means the slope is now stabilised against further erosion. Shotcrete (sprayed on concrete) was completed in September, as shown in the image on the right. This specialised process involves the high-pressure spraying of concrete onto the retaining wall's surface, reinforcing its structural integrity. Some remaining components for this slip are currently in design.
21 September 2023
Completion of works is expected by February 2024.
7 September 2023
Ahuroa Road is being worked on in sections. Some sections have already been completed, some are in construction. One section near J Tolhopf Road where there was a major slip, is in the design phase. Designs are being prepared to repair this section in conjunction with the other repairs.
There are several retaining walls to be completed and will be worked on in sections. Each section will be completed separately. Road sealing will be completed afterwards.
30 May 2023
- Final design has been approved. Works to start shortly
- Road status - open from both ends with one section of road closed at J Tolhopf Road.
3 May 2023
- Eight under-slips have been identified.
- Geotechnical investigation has been completed, and an inclinometer has been put in place.
- Preliminarily assessment and design for the road rebuild were completed and presented on 20 April 2023. We are now moving forward to the final design phase utilising the existing road alignment.
- Road status – open from both ends with one section of the road closed at J Tolhopf Road.
Matakana Valley Rd, Matakana
Road status: Open.
8 April 2024
Chip sealing has been completed on three sites (RP7330, RP7257 and RP5900) and 25 retailing poles are being installed and backfilled at RP7037. Ten steel beams have been installed at RP7730.
18 March 2024
The retaining wall at RO5900 is completed and kerb and channel will be installed next.
Contractors are working on another three sites.
21 February 2024
Downer, on behalf of AT, will be undertaking permanent repair works on the 10 slip sites across Matakana Valley Road between numbers 732-952 from late February/early March. The construction work includes building retaining wall structures to reinforce and prevent further slips from occurring.
Works will begin near number 952 Matakana Valley Road, with the plan to progressively move through the area as each slip is remediated. Construction is expected to take 10 months, and we will provide regular updates on timelines.
- Hours of work 7am-7pm Monday to Friday
- Traffic management includes temporary traffic signals, Stop/Go and speed restrictions.
22 September 2023
Work commenced on Monday 18th September. After initial works, we have found that a design change is required. Works are on hold while we undertake this process. Traffic management will remain in place.
20 September 2023
Work commenced on Monday 18th September. Our initial works will involve excavation and site set up before preparing for construction of the timber pole retaining wall. This work is expected to take 6 weeks. Once this is completed, it is anticipated Downer will make their way to the next slip further up on Matakana Valley Road. Resilience work in this area is still in the design phase.
8 September 2023
Work is set to begin on Monday 11th September for a 6-week period. A lane closure will be required with a Stop/Go in place.
Notification to residents was delivered Tuesday 5th September.
17 August 2023
- Final Designs underway
20 July 2023
- Additional damage caused by Storm of 09 May 2023.
- More slips have been identified during investigation
3 May 2023
- Six under-slips and over-slips have been identified.
- Preliminary Site Investigations completed.
- Road status - open.
26 April 2023
- Six underslips and overslips have been identified
- Preliminary Site Investigations completed.
- Road status - open
Mill Flat Road Bridge
Road status: Open.
April 2024
Mill Flat Road Bridge Replacement Project
On 27 January 2023, the Mill Flat Road bridge was washed away during the Auckland Anniversary Weekend flooding event. As an emergency response, AT commissioned a Bailey Bridge to be constructed at the same location a week later.
Since then, AT has been investigating options for a permanent Mill Flat Road Bridge replacement, securing the necessary funding and undertaking a design process which includes planned intersection safety improvements on the Coatesville-Riverhead Highway.
What is planned
The Mill Flat Road Bridge current design includes:
- A two lane replacement bridge with 3m wide general traffic lanes
- A single 1.5m wide footpath on the southern (downstream) side of the bridge
- A slightly widened approach to the bridge on Mill Flat Road, providing greater sightlines
- No vehicle class or weight restriction
- The ability to be submerged and withstand a 1 in 100 year flood event without being washed away.
The new bridge will be located slightly upstream of the current bridge to enable continued community access throughout its construction. It will be constructed in two halves, with traffic running on the temporary Bailey Bridge during the first half of the build. Traffic will then run on the new first half bridge while the temporary Bailey Bridge is removed, and the second half of the new bridge constructed.
Concept Bridge Design and typical cross-section
Intersection Improvements - Mill Flat Road / Coatesville-Riverhead Highway
- The current design includes:
- A right-turn bay on Coatesville-Riverhead Highway leading toward Mill Flat Road.
- Slight widening of the road in this area, including retaining walls on the Rangitopuni Stream side, to accommodate the right-turn bay.
- Improved signage and intersection warnings either side of the intersection.
Next steps
- Finalise the Detailed Design - July 2024
- Award contract for Physical Works to the successful tenderer by October 2024
- Construction start - late 2024 for 12-16 months.
January 2024
- Geotechnical investigations will be undertaken at the bridge location from 30 January for approximately one week. Traffic management will be in place and some delays are expected at times.
13 November 2023
- AT presented a progress update to the Coatesville Transport Forum.
17 August 2023
- Investigation phase underway that will inform the design of the new bridge.
3 May 2023
- Temporary one-way bridge installed.
- Project plan in development.
Pakiri Road, Leigh
Road status: Open.
March 2024
Work on the Pakiri Road site RP4218 is now well underway. The team are constructing a new retaining wall - an MSE (mechanically stabilised earth) wall constructed using alternating layers. In this case the team has used geotextile matting alternated with backfill gravel materials. Because this area is wet clay and located under the roadway itself, the geotextile matting offers stability.
January 2024
- Emergency temporary works completed.
- Construction for RP 12768 completed.
- Designs for three further underslips underway.
13 October 2023
Work is set to begin at Pakiri Road, slip number RP 12768, on Monday 16 October.
20 September 2023
Work is set to begin on Monday 25th of September for a 6-week period.
The work includes the construction of a timber pole retaining wall, drainage works and reinstatement of the roadway. This work is required to stabilise the area and prevent further slips and damage occurring. A lane closure will be required with a Stop/Go in place.
Residents have been informed via a letter drop 20th September.
17 August 2023
- Emergency temporary works completed - all lanes open to traffic.
- Final Designs near completion
3 May 2023
- Four under-slips have been identified.
- From 19 April temporary remedial works are underway to make the road safe and remain open with reduced lanes.
- Road status – open, with sections of the road reduced to one lane.
26 April 2023
- Four under-slips have been identified.
- From 19 April temporary remedial works are underway to make the road safe and remain open with reduced lanes
- Road status – open, with sections of the road reduced to one lane.
Pinchgut Road, Kaukapakapa
Road status: Open.
January 2024
- Minor slip repairs at RP1015 and RP659 completed.
- Preliminary Site Investigations are completed and final designs in progress.
3 May 2023
- Two under-slips have been identified.
- Preliminary Site Investigations are completed.
Potter Road, Dairy Flat
Road status: Open.
January 2024
- Temporary emergency works completed.
3 May 2023
- Preliminary site investigation complete.
- Road status – open.
26 April 2023
- On track to completion
- Preliminary site investigation complete
- Road status – open
Red Hill Rd, Te Arai
Road status: Open to Residents Only.
17 August 2023
- Preliminary site investigations completed
- Final Designs completed 8 June 2023
30 May 2023
- Road closed due to most recent storm on 9 May 2023
- Road status - closed, open to residents only
3 May 2023
- Preliminary Site Investigation completed.
- Preliminary Design near completion.
- Road status – open, however, down to one lane.
26 April 2023
- Preliminary Site Investigation completed.
- Preliminary Design near completion.
- Road status – open, however, down to one lane
Takatu Road, Tāwharanui Peninsula
Road status: Open - Single Lane.
8 April 2024
Shotcreet has been completed on Slip 2, while soil nail drilling and installation continues on Slips 5 and 6.
18 March 2024
Repairs are being made to six sites and contractors are currently working on four, focusing no grouting and meshwork and soil nailing.
February 2024
December 2023
Construction activities are underway and focus on comprehensive remediation measures which include five soil nailed shotcrete walls and one mass gravity rock buttress to address the identified six slips.
All necessary equipment, including excavators and drilling gear, has been mobilised, vegetation removal is complete and nailing is underway.
20 September 2023
Design work for the slip on Takatu Road is nearing completion. Construction will follow.
17 August 2023
- Final designs expected at the end of August
- Road status – open, however, some sections of the road are reduced to one lane give way.
22 June 2023
- Final designs underway on 25 June
3 May 2023
- Five under slips have been identified.
- On track to completion.
- Road status – open, however, some sections of the road are reduced to one lane give way.
26 April 2023
- Five under slips have been identified
- On track to completion
- Road status – open, however, some sections of the road are reduced to one lane giveway
Waitoki Road
February 2024
- A new 1800mm culvert has been installed and backfilled to upgrade the waterflow.
- Rock armouring has been placed from the culvert outlet to the edge of the carriageway
Weranui Road, Wainui
Road status: Open.
January 2024
- 2 underslips and 1 overslip completed.
- Final designs expected shortly.
17 August
- This site had 2 underslips and 1 overslip
- Overslip has been completed
- Final designs for the permanent repairs for the underslips are expected early September 2023
3 May 2023
- Two under-slips have been identified.
- On track to completion.
- Preliminary site investigation complete.
- Road status – open.
26 April 2023
- Two under slips have been identified
- On track to completion
- Preliminary site investigation complete
- Road status – open
West Coast Road, Kaipara Flats
Road status: Open - Single Lane.
8 April 2024
Kerb and channel on the east side of the lane has been completed along with hydroseeding.
Next week:
- Concrete pour between BOK and rock face
- Capturing the completed works for Asbuilt
March 2024
A number of sites are being worked on.
Slip RP 13570 now complete, with new kerb and channels helping to direct surface water into the upgraded drainage systems.
The upgraded systems include replacement culvert pipes and a new cesspit to prevent excess water from pooling on the road surface and causing damage. Hydro-seeding has also been undertaken in this area.
West Road, Kaukapakapa
Road status: Open - Single Lane.
A portion of West Coast Road is being re-aligned.
February 2024
- Contractors are on site to excavate, trench, install a culvert and cesspit.
January 2024
- Final design expected February 2024.
3 May 2023
- Preliminary site investigation complete.
Wishart Rd, Helensville
Road status: Open - Single Lane.
January 2024
Temporary repair to open road over Christmas completed.
20 July 2023
Final design delayed due to further investigation (movement being measured).
22 June 2023
Under design phase. Final design due 4 July
3 May 2023
- Preliminary site investigation complete.
- Road status – open however reduced to one lane with traffic lights at major slip site.
26 April 2023
- Preliminary site investigation complete
- Road status – open however reduced to one lane with traffic lights at major slip site.