The NZ Transport Agency is advising people to take extra care on State Highway 2 near Ōpōtiki while crews work to clear a large slip.
The slip occurred in the early hours of this morning at the Waiotahi bluff. A local road detour is in place that will add around 15 minutes to a journey.
NZTA Bay of Plenty Transport System Manager, Rob Campbell, says crews are working from both sides of the slip to remove the debris from the road.
“The slip was covering the road and had almost reached the beach but we are making good progress and, weather and further slippage permitting, we expect to be able to open the road late this afternoon. People should check our website, social media or phone the 0800 number before travelling to ensure the road is open.
“If you need to travel through this area please take extra care and expect delays,” Mr Campbell says.
The local road detour it is not suitable for heavy vehicles. Heavy vehicle drivers are asked to travel via Rotorua and/or Taupō to Napier.
All road users are also advised to drive with extra caution and prepare for delays on State Highway 35 between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne due to multiple slips and drop-outs. The road is reduced to one lane at several locations, particularly between Hawai and Omaio.
Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)
Website: nzta.govt.nz/traffic(external link)
Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)
