Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is urging motorists to take care and avoid unnecessary travel, with a Heavy Rain Warning in place for the Hawke’s Bay through until late tomorrow (Thursday) morning.
Update 3, 4.45pm Thursday 24 March:
With more heavy rain forecast for the Hawke’s Bay tonight, particularly around Wairoa, State Highway 2 between Wairoa and Napier will remain closed overnight, and likely through until at least lunchtime tomorrow.
Contractors have been out today, clearing the road, and have made good progress. However, there are still slips and rockfall on the road, making it unsafe to reopen.
State Highway 38 northeast of Frasertown will also remain closed overnight.
There are also a number of local road closures in the Wairoa District due to flooding, slips, dropouts and fallen trees, and people are asked to take care, stay alert and expect the unexpected.
Further north, State Highway 35 between Gisborne and Potaka, and SH2 between Ormond and Ōpōtiki remain closed.
People should visit the Waka Kotahi social media pages for updates:
We will provide another update to this media release tomorrow morning.
Update 2, 11.45am Thursday 24 March:
Both State Highway 2 between Napier and Wairoa, and State Highway 38 northeast of Frasertown remain closed, with SH2 likely to remain closed overnight.
There are no detour routes currently available for these closures.
State Highway 5 remains open. People who are travelling this route should expect to see contractors out clearing hazards, such as slips and fallen trees and branches. Please be mindful of their safety, and follow the directions of traffic management staff and signs.
People are asked to delay their travel and continue to visit the Waka Kotahi social media pages for updates:
Take care, stay safe and stay alert.
Update 1, 7.50am Thursday 24 March:
State Highway 2 is closed between Napier and Wairoa, due to slips and flooding, and is likely to remain closed for a significant amount of time. State Highway 38 is closed northeast of Frasertown due to flooding.
State Highway 5 has also been impacted by the heavy rain and may need to close. Our contractors are continuing to assess the route and clear hazards such as slips, where possible. Caution is advised if you are driving the route.
Further north, State Highway 35 remains closed between Gisborne and Potaka, and State Highway 2 is closed between Ormond and Opotiki.
There are no detour routes available for these closures. People are asked to delay their travel and continue to visit the Waka Kotahi social media pages for updates:
We expect to provide another update to this media release later today.
Take care, stay safe and stay alert.
Wednesday 23 March:
Waka Kotahi National Journey Manager Helen Harris says motorists should expect the unexpected and remain alert.
“Avoid unnecessary travel and take care. Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly and there is a chance we may need to close some roads.”
Motorists are encouraged to take particular care on State Highway 2 around Wairoa and on State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupō.
“If you have to travel, drive to the conditions and watch out for surface flooding, slips, potholes, fallen trees or branches and downed powerlines.
“Treat all powerlines as live. Slow down and maintain a greater following distance between your vehicle and the one in front.
“Check your intended route for hazards or disruptions before setting out and remain alert for unreported hazards.”
Updates will be posted on the Waka Kotahi social media pages and our Journey Planner website:
Ms Harris asks motorists to be mindful of contractors who could be out clearing hazards off the road, and drive slowly through work sites.
“We want to see everyone get home safely. Stay safe and stay alert.”
Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:
