State Highway 2 north from Gisborne is currently closed between Whakarau Road, just south of Otoko, and Matawai due to flooding at the Waihuka Bridge.
As heavy rain continues to fall throughout Tairāwhiti, Waka Kotahi is urging drivers to be careful and drive to the conditions.
State Highway 35 north of Gisborne has reopened this morning, following a night of heavy rainfall causing surface flooding and slips on that road.
Our contractors have been out to inspect the road this morning between Okitu and Ruatoria.
Waka Kotahi Hawke’s Bay / Tairāwhiti Journey Manager Andre Taylor says while SH35 is now open, caution is still advised if driving around the region as a heavy rain warning remains in place through until midday on Sunday.
“With the rain we’ve had overnight, there’s surface flooding and slips in places, and with more rain predicted today, road users need to drive to the conditions and expect the unexpected.
“Our advice would be to avoid travel where possible, but if you are on the roads, take care, keep a safe distance between you and other motorists and be mindful of other road users as well as traffic management staff.
“We will continue to monitor the situation throughout the day and there’s a possibility SH35 may need to close again.
“In Hawke’s Bay, while there’s been some heavy rain overnight, strong winds are the concern right now.
“Please be careful if you’re on the roads, slow down, especially if you’re in a high sided vehicle or on a motorcycle.”
