State Highway 2 between Gisborne and Ōpōtiki is now open to one lane.
Contractors have been working to clear three slips in the Waioeka Gorge since first light this morning.
A single lane is now open under stop/go traffic management. Road users are advised to take care while contractors continue work to clear the mud and rock fall in the other lane.
State Highway 2 was closed at 3am this morning after one large and two smaller slips occurred in the gorge between Ōpōtiki and Matawai.
With State Highway 35 closed between Ōpōtiki and Te Kaha, it’s been a priority to get SH2 open to traffic and provide a viable detour to SH35.
Note - There is still running water coming down the larger slip, so there is a risk of further incidents occurring.
Over-dimension vehicles are not be able to access the site due to the narrow width of the lane.
The road near Motu River Bridge was closed to all traffic around 9pm on 20 July, after the eastbound lane collapsed into the river.
Rock is being brought in to stabilise the westbound lane. This is challenging given the rising river levels. The safety of workers and all road users is paramount.
There are a number of emergency works sites around the East Coast/Bay of Plenty regions following significant rainfall and network failures. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
Due to the risk of truck roll-overs and the narrow lane width at Kopuaroa, SH35 will be closed to heavy vehicles with trailers after 11.59pm Friday 22 July. Truck and trailer units travelling before 11.59pm Friday 22 July will need to proceed with caution through the site.
After 11.59pm Friday 22 July, heavy vehicles with trailers will be turned around at Ruatoria and Te Puia Springs. Heavy vehicles without trailers will be allowed through the site.
SH36 between Ngongotahā and Tauranga was closed to all vehicles from 10am today to 7pm Friday 22 July for repairs at Mangapouri bridge.
The abutment of the single-lane Mangapouri bridge has scoured resulting in a hole beneath the road and uneven surface on the bridge deck.
The alternative routes are SH2 and SH33 through Pāpāmoa and Paengaroa, or SH5 / SH28 / SH29 over the Kaimai Range.
