UPDATE - 3.30pm Thu 14 April: The last remaining section of State Highway 35 closed due to the impacts of Cyclone Fili – the section between the intersection with Poroporo Road, northeast of Tikitiki, and the intersection with Waiomatatini Road at the turn-off to Ruatoria – will reopen by 5pm today, in time for the Easter holiday weekend.
The section between Tokomaru Bay and Te Puia Springs will continue to close overnight between 7pm and 7am, following damage caused by last month’s significant weather event.
People are advised to take care and remain alert. Our contractors have worked hard to ensure everyone can get where they’re going this long weekend for a well-deserved rest with friends and family, themselves included.
The road is still down to single lane only in some places, with sections of unsealed road, signs, cones and temporary speed limits. Please expect delays and drive to the conditions.
Happy Easter.
11:59am: The vast majority of State Highway 35 has reopened, following flooding, slips and downed trees as a result of heavy rain and strong winds due to Cyclone Fili.
The road remains closed between the intersection with Poroporo Road, northeast of Tikitiki, and the intersection with Waiomatatini Road at the turn-off to Ruatoria.
The section between Tokomaru Bay and Te Puia Springs will continue to close overnight between 7pm and 7am, following damage caused by last month’s significant weather event.
National Journey Manager Helen Harris says contractors have worked hard to get this much of the road reopened as quickly as possible so people can enjoy their easter weekend with friends and whanau.
“It’s open, but not necessarily pretty. The road is still down to single lane only in some places, with sections of unsealed road, signs, cones and temporary speed limits.
“People are advised to take care and remain alert for unreported hazards, such as surface flooding, slips and downed trees or branches.”
People should also be mindful of contractors who could be out clearing hazards off the road, and drive slowly through work sites, Ms Harris says.
“We want to see everyone make it safely, wherever they’re going this Easter weekend.”
