Traffic delays are expected near the Awakino Tunnel this weekend as controlled explosions take place. Motorists are being told to expect delays on State Highway 3 through Awakino Gorge this weekend as a series of controlled explosions to crack a large rock take place. Traffic on SH 3 near the Awakino Tunnel will be stopped for 20 to 30 minutes at around 11am and 3pm on Saturday July 11 and Sunday July 12, the NZ Transport Agency said. Other short delays to SH3 traffic could be possible while teams prepare for the explosion and clean-up afterwards. The rock, located within the Awakino Tunnel Bypass project work site, needs to be removed in a controlled manner due to risk it may fall on to the road in the future.

Source: Stuff July 10, 2020 02:48 UTC