Flooding keeps state highways closed
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| A motorist in Katikati was stranded after heavy rain caused flooding. Photo: Matty Donaldson. |
The NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists to continue to take care as heavy rain has caused flooding and slips around the region
Heavy rain warnings are still in place for the area and flooding and slips will continue to affect a number of roads over the next 24 hours:
The Karangahake Gorge on State highway 2 between Waihi and Paeroa is still closed. River levels through the gorge are receding but there will be significant clearing of the road before it can open.
Also on SH2, the Athenree Gorge remains open to one lane. Work crews will begin the slip clean up this morning.
Motorists are advised to use either SH29 via Tauranga over the Kaimais (for Bay of Plenty motorists) or SH25A between Kopu and Hikuai (for Coromandel motorists) as alternative routes and avoid SH2 until flood waters recede.
State Highway 25 between Thames and Whitiangia is closed due to major slips at Te Puru and Te Rerenga and a number of other small slips.
SH26 between Paeroa and Te Aroha is open.
State Highway 26 at the Criterion Bridge, Paeroa is open.
State highway 29 on the lower Kaimais (Waikato side) there are isolated small slips and a number of pot
holes, contractors are on their way to repair these.
State highway 2 near Whakamarama is closed due to a major slip blocking the road. Diversions are in place.
SH2 between Bruce Road and the Domain Road intersection, surface flooding has caused the closure of one lane. A short detour is in place, and is likely to remain in place for the remainder of the day.
SH30 Rotomas, there are isolated slips, so while the road is open drivers 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 destinations 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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