The Catlins, Cathedral Caves access road safety review

ViaStrada was commissioned by the Tautuku Block Trust to undertake an assessment of the current access road to the Cathedral Caves.  The caves are in an isolated location off the Southern Scenic Route SH92 in Otago and are accessed via a private road that leads to the car park at the start of the cave walk. The Trust were concerned about the safety of the public and their staff using the road which is steep, winding, narrow and has drop off areas in some locations.  The caves can be visited when the tide is low and visitors can gain access along the beach to the caves. 

The assessment looked at the access road issues and also suggested some operational measures for the Trust to consider. These included:

• Closing the road
• Additional advisory signage
• Provision of passing bays along the access road
• Creating a one way loop access road
• Widening the full length of the access road

ViaStrada ensured that each of the options had to given consideration to NZTA guidelines, the Long Term Council Community Plan, the Otago Regional land Transport Programme 2009 - 2012, the Clutha District Plan and the Transportation Section of the District Plan.