Gorge access track complete

23 November, 2011

Higgins Contractors have carved an access track through bush to the top of the Manawatu Gorge slip.

Equipment and resources are now being moved into place to create a work site.   David McGonigal NZTA Transport Agency Palmerston North state highways manager, says "We have a tree crew working to clear scrub from the top of the slip so that we can get a good look at it before machinery goes onto the hillside."

Spotters will monitor the hillside in the Gorge as heavy machinery clears the slip from the top down.  David McConigal says "Safety is absolutely paramount, and throughout the operation spotters will continually be scanning the slip face watching for signs of movement".  Material will be removed from 'benches', which are terraces that create level stable areas from which machines and men can operate safely as they work.