Continued care urged on highways
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is advising motorists to continue to take care on state highways around the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty.
- The Karangahake Gorge on State Highway 2 between Waihi and Paeroa is still closed. River levels through the gorge are receding but significant work is still needed to clear slips and debris; therefore the road will be closed for the rest of the day.
- Alternative routes are available and motorists are advised to either:
- drive south on SH2 from Waihi then SH29 via Tauranga over the Kaimais (for Bay of Plenty motorists). However, motorists should also be aware that there is a short detour further down SH2 at Apata and caution is required (see below), or;
- drive north on SH25 and then SH25A between Kopu and Hikuai (for Coromandel motorists).
- State Highway 25 between Thames and Coromandel Town is now open. Motorists are being cautioned to take care as debris is still being cleared from this stretch of SH25 and the NZTA is continuing to monitor this section closely.
- A section of State Highway 25 between Coromandel Town and Whitianga is still closed due to a major slip at between Whangapoua and Te Rerenga.
- State Highway 29 on the lower Kaimais (Waikato side) - the cleanup is continuing in relation to some isolated small slips and a number of pot holes. Contractors confirm there are no delays to traffic and both lanes are open - but motorists are asked to take care when travelling through the clean up areas.
- On SH2, the Athenree Gorge remains open to one lane. Work crews are currently working on clearing this slip.
- Also on SH2 at Apata, a short section of road is closed between Katikati and Tauranga due to a slip and will remain closed for the rest of the day. A short detour is in place along Apata Station Road. Crews are working to clear the slip now.
- SH2 between Bruce Road and the Domain Road intersection, surface flooding has caused the closure of the north bound lane but the south bound lane is clear. A detour for north bound drivers is in place along Papamoa Beach Road and it will remain in place for the remainder of the day. Motorists are advised to expect delays.
- SH30 at Rotoma Hill - there are isolated slips. The road is open but drivers still need to take care.
"The NZTA will continue to closely monitor all roads within the area with heavy rain due to continue to fall until later today. If drivers must travel we urge that they take extreme care on the highways, drive to the conditions, and allow more time for their journeys so that they can reach their destination safely," says the NZTA's Acting State Highway Manager, Karen Boyt.
Ms Boyt say's before starting their journey people should check with the NZTA's freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or 0800 44 44 49, or its website www.highwayinfo.govt.nz for up-to-the-minute info on road conditions.
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