Multiple slips and areas of localised flooding have closed State Highway 2 between Awakeri and Kutarere.
Update 2.28 pm
SH2 Waimana Gorge will remain closed tonight.
Waimana Gorge will remain closed tonight from SH2/Station Road (Taneatua township) and SH2/Wainui Road.
Crews will work until dark and resume slip clearance tomorrow morning. There was an estimated 1m of flooding across the road in certain places as well as large areas of debris that have spilled across the road and down into the river.
The slip between Awakeri and Taneatua on State Highway 2 has been cleared, so Taneatua residents can now access Awakeri via the State Highway.
Wainui Road is still open for detour.
Reminder to please drive to the conditions if you must go out. Watch your following distances and expect the unexpected as the impact of the wet weather could cause further slips and risks on the roading network.
This updates the advisory below.
3 May, 9.45am
Multiple slips and areas of localised flooding have closed State Highway 2 between Awakeri and Kutarere.
The road is closed from the SH30/SH2 Awakeri intersection to the SH2/Wainui Road intersection until further notice.
Slips and flooding are also affecting local roads, with Wainui Road down to one lane in places with temporary traffic management and Taneatua Road is closed.
The detour for light vehicles is via Wainui Road, however river levels in this location continue to rise.
Our teams are working closely with the Whakatāne District Council to monitor this. Wainui Road may be closed at short notice if these river levels rise significantly, and the road closure will be extended to Ōpōtiki.
Geotechnical engineers are assessing the slips this morning to ensure that it is safe to begin clearing the road.
There is also rockfall in the Waioeka Gorge and contractors are inspecting.
Please drive to the conditions and only travel if you need to. The more traffic on these roads - the slower the progress for crews working to clear roads and undertake repairs.
For up-to-date information, motorists are encouraged to visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)).
