State Highway 25 is closed again between Tapu and Waiomu this morning after more rocks and debris slipped overnight blocking both lanes.
UPDATE 2:15pm: SH25 slip at Ruamahunga
While every effort is being made to clear the slip blocking both lanes of State Highway 25 at Ruamahunga, Waka Kotahi warns the road may not be safe enough to re-open today.
There is around 360 cubic metres of material to clear which is the equivalent of both of yesterday’s slips combined. Contractors are using six trucks and have removed 160 cubic metres so far. However, not only is the road surface very slippery, there is the potential that abseilers may need to be used to bring down more debris to ensure the safety of road users.
Next update as soon as there’s a change in the road status.
This updates the information below.
Update 9:21am:
Geotech engineers are en route.
The road is impassable to all traffic including emergency services. It is expected to take the majority of the day to clear and re-open.
The rock fall is at Ruamahunga, at the same location that slipped over the weekend.
Slip clearance is underway this morning.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency contractors worked hard all day yesterday, Sunday 25 June, clearing two major slips at Ruamahunga and Waiomu and the road reopened at 7.30pm last night, before closing again before dawn this morning.
The detour is significant, with road users needing to travel via Whangamata and Whitianga to the northern end of the Peninsula.
An update will follow as soon as there’s more information.
