After the inspection of numerous cracks in the road structure on State Highway 25A (SH25A) today, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency can advise the road will reopen to one lane from 7am tomorrow morning (18 January) through till 7pm.
The highway between Kopu and Hikuai remains closed until then and will be fully closed again overnight tomorrow.
On Monday 16 January, Waka Kotahi made the decision to close SH25A after the discovery of cracks in the highway that appeared following Cyclone Hale, which caused flooding and numerous slips across the Coromandel Peninsula.
Geotechnical engineers have been on site today to assess a significant number of cracks of various lengths, some measuring 15 metres deep and up to 75mm wide. Monitoring devices are being put in place to detect deterioration. If the situation worsens, the road may have to be closed again while further solutions are investigated.
During daytime hours, experts advise the highway is safe to open to one lane under stop/go traffic management with a temporary speed limit of 30km/h.
Motorists will be directed to drive on the side of the pavement that is least affected. Cracks on this side are being filled this afternoon to prevent rain getting in.
While SH25A is closed, road users will need to use State Highway 2 through the Karangahake Gorge or State Highway 25 around the Coromandel Peninsula to travel to/from summer hotspots such as Whitianga and Whangamatā. The alternative routes will add at least half an hour to travel times.
Further updates will be provided when more information is available.
