Temporary repairs set to start on island

BARRY HARCOURT/Southland Times/Image ID 108885

REPAIRS REQUIRED: Slip damage to Ackers Point road.

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Temporary repairs to Stewart Island roads closed because of slip damage after heavy rain earlier this week is set to begin early next week.

A team of Southland District Council engineers assessed the damage yesterday.

Seven slips are affecting the roading network on the island and two are preventing vehicle access for residents at Braggs Bay and Ackers Point.

"The Braggs Bay slip is one that's going to present us with some quite significant challenges in terms of repair and reinstatement," Southland District Council roading and assets manager Russell Hawkes said.

"I think it would be fair to say that that one is going to take some time to resolve potentially."

NWH geotechnic consultants would arrive from Christchurch next week to assess the damage, which would give council a better idea of timeframes, he said. In the meantime, council would work towards providing temporary access to Braggs Bay andlAckers Point but it was likely to be restricted to residents only.

The temporary repairs are scheduled to begin early next week and would include erecting safety barriers and signs.

Mr Hawkes did not know what the cost of the temporary repairs would be.

Ackers Point resident Philippa Fraser-Wilson is relieved work on temporary access will begin next week.

"That's great news," she said.

She hoped council would follow up with a long-term solution.

Meanwhile, Stewart Island Community Board chairman Barry Rhodes commended district council staff on their efforts to restore temporary access.

" As I say the community I'm sure ... will be delighted at such a quick response because they (council staff) have got many other things to do as well. So, no, the reaction from the council has been fantastic," Mr Rhodes said.

- © Fairfax NZ News