Connecting Tairāwhiti

Traffic bulletin

25 June 2023

SH2 north of Gisborne to remain closed for next few days; SH35 closes overnight

Fresh slips and further movement on State Highway 2 north of Gisborne means that road will remain closed at least until Friday.

Central North Island Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations Jaclyn Hankin says SH2 between Matawai and Ormond remains closed as further movement has made it unsafe for road users and unsuitable for heavy vehicles.

"The freight industry relies heavily on this road to connect Tairāwhiti to the upper North Island. On Friday we had a successful afternoon of escorted convoys. The ground movement over the weekend has meant a repeat of those convoys unrealistic and unsafe for now. However, we are working as quickly and safely as possible to get the road to a point where another escorted convoy is possible.

"Unfortunately, we don’t anticipate this will be before Friday, but we will communicate the next convoy with all road users, including the freight industry, as early as we can. We realise this is a crucial part of the network for the freight industry and we want to thank everyone for their understanding during what is a frustrating time for everyone affected," says Ms Hankin.

As at 8pm:
State Highway 25 Waiomu to Tapu, Coromandel OPEN
State Highway 2 Matawai to Ormond CLOSED
State Highway 50 Tikokino to Ongaonga  CLOSED
State Highway 35 Gisborne to Ruatoria CLOSED until 8am tomorrow
State Highway 5 Napier – Taupō Road OPEN
State Highway 2 Wairoa to Napier OPEN
State Highway 2 Wairoa to Gisborne OPEN

"Once again, we have closed SH35 north of Gisborne overnight (from 5pm to 8am) to ensure people’s safety.

"In Hawke’s Bay, SH5 will remain open overnight while contractors continue work to make the road safer – including filling numerous new potholes and clearing debris. That means some parts of SH5 will be under traffic management."

Further north, on the Coromandel Peninsula, a section of SH25 just north of Thames, which was blocked overnight by slips, is now open. There is traffic management in place, and caution is advised as the road remains slippery in many places.

"Please continue to be careful if you’re driving through these areas; expect delays and drive to the conditions. Unfortunately some roads have changed quite dramatically over the past 48 hours, and extra care and patience is required."

If you’re driving, keep an eye on the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website for the latest information on road conditions, as short-notice closures are a possibility while the rain continues.

Image: SH50 Waipawa Bridge.

Image: SH25 Thames Coast slip on Sunday afternoon.