Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says work is underway to re-open SH35 between Beach Road and the Motu River Bridge East of Ōpōtiki, with fallen trees and other debris blocking the road.
Waka Kotahi Bay of Plenty Transport Systems Manager Roger Brady says heavy rain over the weekend resulted in the slip coming down on the highway at 2.30pm on Sunday 20 July.
Mr Brady says geotechnical engineers have been on site since early morning assessing the safety and stability of the road and surrounding the area, and the green light has now been given for contractors to clear the large volume of debris which has come down on the highway, which includes large numbers of fallen trees and other material.
“We know how important this connection is for residents and businesses in the area, and our crews will be working hard to clear this debris and re-open the road as soon as possible. We’re aiming to have the debris cleared and the road re-opened later today, and we will provide a further update as the work on-site continues.”
