Damage to the region’s state highway network is continuing to be assessed.
SH4 between Raetihi and Upokongaro will remain closed for the weekend, following a fresh slip over night.
SH56 Opiki River Bridge between Tane Road and Alve Road is now OPEN to road users. Please drive to the conditions when using that stretch of road.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency System Manager for Manawatū-Whanganui and Taranaki, Rob Service, says the stretch of SH4 will be reassessed on Monday morning.
“We know this will be frustrating for people in the area, but we have to ensure the safety of all road users and our contractors.
“On the Tararua side, SH50 between Takapau and Maraekakaho (in Hastings District) remains CLOSED. State Highway 2 remains the link between Manawatu and Hawke’s Bay.
“Please continue to avoid all unnecessary travel at the moment and if you do have to drive in the areas which remain open, drive to the conditions.
Damage to the region’s state highway network is continuing to be assessed.
Cyclone damage on SH4.
Roading crews around the region have been busy clearing fallen trees and debris from roads around the region.
Slips also closed SH4 between Raetihi and Upokongaro and it remains closed at this stage, ahead of a geotechnical assessment. That assessment is due to take place today, and we anticipate being in a position to open this tomorrow, with expected traffic management controls in place. We will have a further update when this takes place.
SH4 Raetihi to Upokongaro CLOSED
SH56 Opiki River Bridge between Tane Road and Alve Road CLOSED
And closer to Hawke’s Bay, SH50 between Takapau and Maraekakaho (in Hastings District) remains CLOSED. State Highway 2 remains the link from the south into Hawke’s Bay.
“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 Manawatū-Whanganu Rob Service.
“We recognise SH2 is a critical lifeline to Hawke’s Bay from the south so it’s important we have cancelled some planned renewals and maintenance works in the short term on this route to ensure that this link remains open and able to deliver vital aid at this time,” says Mr Service.
Road works on SH2 in Dannevirke were paused because of the cyclone but are expected to resume on Monday (20 February) night for three more nights.
Works on SH2 at Norsewood are continuing.
A fortnight of night road works planned for SH56 just south of Palmerston North will continue as scheduled from Monday (20 February).
“The current disruption to our network also means some planned roadworks will be postponed including night time works scheduled for SH54 next week and scheduled works next week on the Saddle have been cancelled. A further date will be advised,” says Mr Service.
Cyclone damage on SH4:
Please note this closure 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)
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.
