The NZ Transport Agency advise motorists in the Far North that State Highway 1 north of Kaitaia remains closed.
The washout, south of Pukenui between Whalers Road and Lamb Road, has punched a hole in the road about 20 metres wide and 4-5 metres deep.
While SH1 is closed there is no alternative sealed route between Kaitaia and Cape Reinga.
“The Transport Agency does not support suggestions on social media that motorists can drive on 90 Mile Beach or on unsealed private roads through the forest to get around the washout. These are high risk options for drivers and their vehicles if they are not experienced at driving in these conditions,” says the Transport Agency’s Northland System Manager, Jacqui Hori-Hoult.
“We want to concentrate our resources on fixing the road for our communities and visitors in the Far North. The Transport Agency is working closely with Civil Defence, emergency services and local authorities on a response to support those in the area who may be affected.”
“We don’t want local services being diverted to rescuing vehicles stuck in the sand or searching for people lost or broken down in the forest. Please do not use these routes.”
Motorists should avoid the area and delay their journeys, says Ms Hori-Hoult.
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