Following wet weather earlier this month, an underslip has deteriorated on State Highway 2 (SH2) through the Waimana Gorge, approximately 4.3km southeast of Tāneatua, reducing the road to one lane.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) appreciates this is a key freight route between Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki and is working on a solution as quicky as possible.
“The lane closure is required due to pavement cracking, which is extending around 200mm from the edge line currently, but likely to worsen when there’s more wet weather,” says NZTA’s System Manager for the Bay of Plenty, Sandra King.
“High levels through the Tauranga River following heavy rainfall has caused the underslip. A geotech team is investigating further and their findings will inform our remediation plan.
“The road is currently under 24 hour traffic management, but traffic lights will be installed soon,” Ms King says.
It is possible that the road will need to be fully closed at times to complete repairs. NZTA will keep the public informed as more is known.
