Wild weather impacts Bay of Plenty roading network - 9pm update

Heavy rain is having a widespread impact on the roading network throughout the Bay of Plenty, with slips, downed trees and flooding causing traffic delays and unsafe conditions.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises against all unnecessary travel around the region. Heavy traffic is impacting the ability of contractors to respond quickly to numerous issues.

If they’re on the road already, drivers are advised to drive to the conditions, watch their following distances and expect the unexpected. Potholes will be prevalent and can’t be remedied until the weather eases.

Impacted highways as of 9pm

• SH30 East – CAUTION multiple slips along the highway between Tiketere and Rotoma.  Stop/Go temporary traffic management with 30km/h temporary speed limit will be in place at these slip areas overnight.
• SH2 – CLOSED but expect to be open later this evening. A large tree is blocking the northbound lane just south of Ōmokoroa Road. (Northbound traffic is to detour via Barret Road, Old Highway, Youngson Road.  Southbound can stay on highway)
• SH29 – OPEN - slip clearance completed at McLaren Falls Road.
• SH36 – CLOSED due to a slip blocking both lanes near Roy Road Hamurana.
• SH36 – CLOSED due to flooding and slip debris between Central Road and Jackson Road
• SH5 – CAUTION surface flooding near Barnard Road
• SH30 – CAUTION surface flooding near Isles Road

Metservice has issued an orange heavy rain warning and a severe thunderstorm watch for the Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua, from 3pm today to 3am Wednesday.

Rotorua recorded more than 20mm of rain between 3pm and 4pm with more still to come.

This is an evolving event so further impacts are expected. 

Motorists are encouraged to visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)).