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Road closures, safety and the long road to recovery after recent slips on Mahurangi West Road were the main issues raised at a packed public meeting in the Mahurangi West Hall, hosted by Auckland Transport (AT), on February 4.
AT confirmed that the next stage of emergency repairs would require road closures from Sunday February 15 for up to eight days. Some closures might last around four hours and, where possible, would be scheduled at night.
While emergency works were stabilising the area, AT said that permanent repairs and full recovery could take between four and six months, though it was still too early to give firm timeframes. The estimated cost for a permanent fix was $2.8 million.
Clear communication emerged as a key concern for residents. Suggestions included setting up a local WhatsApp group to share updates quickly.
AT committed to providing adequate notice of closures so residents could plan ahead.
Issues with Google Maps incorrectly showing the road closed in the wrong direction were also raised, with AT and contractor Downer agreeing to work with Google to fix the error.
Residents were reassured that there was currently no significant risk of further slippage.
AT said the emergency works had secured the main slips, although heavy rain could cause some movement. Both AT and Downer were closely monitoring conditions and would keep the community informed.
Questions were also asked about continued use of the Mahurangi West Hall. AT and Downer said they were happy to work around hall bookings with notice, although access was currently limited to residents. Efforts were also being made to re-open the nearby regional park, which had been closed since the slip occurred.
Concerns about emergency access, car parking during closures and a second slip near the Berger property were discussed. AT said it would plan temporary parking areas if needed, work with emergency services, and rebuild affected sites with improved engineering, drainage and resilience to reduce the risk of future failures.
Residents were reminded to report any urgent road issues promptly to Auckland Transport so they can be prioritised. The contact details are: 09 355 3553 or https://contact.at.govt.nz
