New Zealand’s Durie Hill Lower Elevator Entrance to Close for Repairs

Recent slips on the hillside near the Durie Hill elevator in New Zealand have prompted the Whanganui District Council to close the Anzac Parade entrance briefly for repairs, the Whanganui Chronicle reports. A council spokesman said since initial repairs in March, there has been further movement near the entrance. Barriers were installed at the base of the slope in the meantime to ensure the safety of those using the elevator. The entrance will be closed for five days to allow specialist contractors to remove the root ball and stabilize the area. The Durie Hill elevator will be 103 years old on August 2, as it first opened in 1919. A free Durie Hill shuttle service will operate during the repairs, and the elevator will be open to visitors and sightseers from the upper Blyth St entrance. Visitors will be able to explore the underground tunnel while the entrance is closed, although there will be no through access to Anzac Parade.