Further material has fallen throughout the day at the site of the large slip blocking State Highway 2 at Waiotahe Beach. Work to clear the slip ceased earlier today due to safety concerns that debris could fall while work was taking place.
Geotechnical assessment has been completed, and the outcome of this assessment will be confirmed tomorrow.
The road will remain closed overnight and is expected to remain closed tomorrow. Once contractors are re-established on site there will be a better understanding of when the road may be re-opened.
From mid-morning essential freight travel will be piloted along the detour route at hourly intervals. When this takes place, travel will only be allowed in a single direction and delays of up to an hour are expected.
The detour is via Waiotahi Valley Road, Waiotahi Valley Back Road, Verrall Road and Paerata Ridge Road until further notice.
Over-dimension and vehicles weighing above 50T are still unable to use the detour route, and will need to travel via routes utilising State Highway 5.
All road users are recommended to limit non-essential travel given the delays. For those travelling, please drive safely, follow the pilot vehicle on the detour and reduce speed to ensure the safety of all other road users.
A further update will be provided tomorrow, Friday 21 October.
