Roading contractors have been out inspecting the state highway network around Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay following more heavy rain.
State Highway 35 north of Gisborne remains closed as does State Highway 2 between Matawai and Ormond. State Highway 50 in Hawke’s Bay has now closed between Tikokino and Ongaonga following a washout of one of the Waipawa River Bridge abutments.
A heavy rain warning remains in place for Hawke’s Bay until midnight tonight and until midday on Sunday for Tairāwhiti.
As at 10.45am:
State Highway 35 Gisborne to Ruatoria CLOSED
State Highway 2 Matawai to Ormond CLOSED
State Highway 50 Tikokino to Ongaonga CLOSED
State Highway 2 Wairoa to Napier OPEN
State Highway 2 Wairoa to Gisborne OPEN
State Highway 5 Napier – Taupō Road OPEN
SH35 between Tolaga Bay and Tokomaru will remain closed for the rest of the day, while contractors assess damaged caused by an underslip on the road.
The rest of SH35 south of Tolaga Bay and north of Tokomaru is expected to reopen once contractors have cleared further minor slips and debris.
Waka Kotahi Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations Jaclyn Hankin says on SH2 north of Gisborne, a repeat of yesterday’s escorted convoys had been planned, however cracks in the road and damage at Otoko Hill means those convoys will not be going ahead.
Ms Hankin says the rain has also caused a washout of one of the Waipawa River bridge abutments on SH50.
“As a result, the section of SH50 between Tikokino and Ongaonga is currently closed and road users are asked to use SH2 as a detour.
“We have geotechnical engineers assessing a number of sites today including the cracks at Otoko Hill and at the washout on SH50.
“In many areas we remain in clean up mode, so even if state highways are open, please expect to see traffic management controls and contractors on roads. Please expect delays and drive with caution and to the conditions.
“We’re also asking people to continue to keep an eye on the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website(external link) for the latest information on road conditions, as short-notice closures are a possibility given the rain is continuing.
