Work is continuing at pace to ensure the region’s state highways that can be opened up, are opened as quickly as possible.
Last night, one of the vital links between Napier and Hastings, SH51, was opened under a 30 km/h temporary speed limit.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s System Manager for Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, Martin Colditz is encouraging only essential travel along the road.
“It’s a great relief to have one of the vital state highway links opened, and please drive to the conditions if you’re using that stretch.”
Closure update as of 9am
SH35 between Hicks Bay and Gisborne CLOSED
SH2 between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne and then Gisborne to Napier CLOSED
SH2 between Napier and Hastings (Ngaruroro Bridge) CLOSED
SH5 between Napier and Taupō CLOSED
SH51 between Napier Road and Elwood Road CLOSED
SH50 Expressway between Napier and the Taradale turnoff CLOSED
SH50 between Takapau and Hastings CLOSED
SH50 at Fernhill (Ngaruroro Rover Bride) CLOSED
“Roading crews are still contending with a huge number of slips around the region, roads which have been completely covered in sludge, silt and others which still have high levels of floodwaters.
“This morning contractors are back on site at SH50, the Napier-Hastings Expressway, beginning the clean up of debris.
“Please avoid all unnecessary travel at the moment and if you do have to drive in the areas which remain open, drive to the conditions, says Waka Kotahi’s System Manager for Hawke’s Bay/Gisborne Martin Colditz.
“Safety is naturally our top priority – safety of all road users and of our contractors. Equally we know the importance of ensuring our network reopens as quickly as possible, and we’re doing everything we can in that regard.”
Please note this information can change rapidly – ensure you check the latest weather conditions with MetService, and consult the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner for the most up to date information on road closures.
Journey Planner(external link)
For those who are unable to access the internet at this stage, please keep tuned to local radio stations for the latest Civil Defence advice. Local programmes are on The Breeze 97.5 and The Hits 89.5.
Journey Planner is updated 24/7 by Waka Kotahi traffic operations centres and is the best source of the most recent and reliable information available on state highway closures and disruptions. Remember to refresh the page when checking the status of highways to ensure that the latest updates are displayed.
Images above: SH2 north of Napier at Devil’s Elbow.
