The NZ Transport Agency says drivers need to take extreme care on State Highway 1 north of Kaitaia in Northland because of storm damage to the approaches to two bridges.
The Mitimiti Bridge about 70 kilometres north of Kaitaia is closed after the southern approach to the bridge was undermined by flood waters. The NZTA says a temporary ford has been bulldozed across the Mitimiti Stream to provide temporary access for four wheel drive and heavy vehicles only.
Further north, near the community of Te Kao, the Ngakarapu Bridge has re-opened after repairs to its approaches, which were also undermined by flood waters.
"Drivers should take extreme care at both locations as our contractors will work through the night to repair storm damage," says the NZTA's State Highways Manager for Northland, Tommy Parker. "We anticipate that the approaches to the Mitimiti Bridge will be fully repaired tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, and we will re-open it to all traffic when we are certain that there is no risk to the safety of drivers and their passengers."
Mr Parker says NZTA contractors and emergency services remain ready to help people who might be stranded in the wake of this week's storm.
Other sections of the State Highway network in Northland are open, but Mr Parker says drivers need to be alert, especially at night, for storm debris.
