Significant West Coast slip repair nearly complete

Repairs to a complex slip on West Coast Road at Motutī are nearing completion and will improve the safety and resilience of this key Hokianga route.

An underslip along this essential rural link became saturated because of consecutive downpours, causing the southbound lane to slump. Ongoing movement threatened to do the same to the northbound lane, which could have closed the road altogether.

Extensive works began in October 2024 to stablise the slope including the installation of 57 steel pipes, more than 730m of reinforced cages, 95m of steel plates, and 540m³ of concrete. A pavement reinstatement and installation of a new guardrail were also included in the repairs.

These works have stabilised the underslip, ensuring a safer, more resilient roadway.

A temporary 50km/h speed limit will remain while the new surface settles. By taking a collaborative approach, council contractors minimised disruption for road users and ensured a better-quality seal for the Hokianga community – without overlapping work crews or causing unnecessary delays. The final sealing will be completed as part of the upcoming summer works programme.

The critical slip remediation works have been completed and this essential route is now open to two-lane access. Council contractors have worked alongside council staff and the local community to improve the long-term infrastructure resilience of this network of roading in the Far North.

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Below - before works, a section of West Coast Road with slip damage.

Below - during repairs, works to reinstate the damaged area.

Below - during repairs, with cage structures installed.

Below - during repairs, aerial shot of remedial works showing new structures installed.

Below - after repairs, with new pavement and guardrail installed.

Below - aerial shot of slip repairs nearly completed.