Eighth recent SH3 Awakino Gorge closure: Businesses say they’re hurting
Local businesses in Mōkau are struggling due to the frequent closure of State Highway 3 at the Awakino Gorge for road repairs. Business owners are calling for government compensation as the repeated shutdowns severely impact their revenue and ability to operate.
Why it matters
This highlights the economic vulnerability of small businesses reliant on critical infrastructure and the ongoing tension between public safety repairs and local economic stability.
Gyandev Rawat, who owns the River Run Cafe in Mōkau, says repeated closures of SH3 through the Awakino Gorge are hurting local businesses. Photo / RNZ, Robin Martin
It’s a case of grin and bear it for Mōkau businesses facing yet another complete closure of the Awakino Gorge – the link between Taranaki and Waikato – on State Highway 3.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has announced the gorge will be closed between the rest area near the Historic Tunnel and the intersection of SH3 and Manganui Rd, for four days from 6am on August 22 to 6pm on August 25.
During the closure, crews will be working to install three culverts to drain water, which is currently flowing over the road, at the massive slip that came down in April.
It’s the ninth closure of the Awakino Gorge for weather-related incidents or repairs in recent times.
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