Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is urgently reminding motorists that SH51 between Napier and Hastings is for essential travel only.
Health authorities have reported that in some cases, emergency services have been waiting up to 4 hours to travel the road, specifically as the road narrows at Clive Bridge.
“It’s really, really important that emergency services are able to access this route easily and quickly” says Waka Kotahi’s System Manager for Hawke’s Bay Martin Colditz.
“We understand how crucial this link is and we know so many people will be keen to travel the road, as the only current link between the two cities. However, please if you don’t need travel it, avoid it.
“If you are travelling it, please drive to the conditions and do what you can to provide priority access for any emergency service vehicles.”
