Maru's bend repairs make subsidy

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 631, 9 April 1996, Page 7

Maru's bend repairs make subsidy

Repairs to the Ruatiti Road at Maru's bend will cost $92,000 if a quote from the successful tenderer is anything to go by. This is contrary to rumours in the valley that Waimarino Community Board member John Compton said were circulating that the work would be in the millions. Traffic counts of 34 vehicles per day meant the work fell within Transit New Zealand subsidy limits. The best option to fix the dropout has been deemed to be to cut back the overhanging bluff. Pipiriki Road In other discussion, the board heard that progress on the Pipiriki Road was slow, due to poor weather and the late start of one of the three contractors. "Unfortunately Pratts (roading contractors) were late starting," said engineer Bruce Dobson. "They were supposed to start before Christmas but it was into February before they arrived." In response to concerns about signage, Mr Dobson said he had done "quite a bit of complaining about signage". "The locals are happy that the work is being done but some are starting to whinge about the state of the road," said John Compton, adding that they had safety concerns. Mr Dobson said the contractors had been "told and told" to slow their trucks down (for traffic safety). "One of the dump trucks nearly went over the side recently," he said.Mr Dobson said the contract finish date was originally 31 March, which had been put back to 20 April due to the poor weather. He said he would be surprised if the 5 May date for sealing would be met.