Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

Connect Rotorua

21 July 2022


 

Emergency works on highways across East Coast and Bay of Plenty

You have subscribed to receive Connect Rotorua updates and this email is to provide you information about state highways in the area currently affected by the recent weather.

The state highway network has been hit hard by the recent severe weather, with slips, drop outs and flooding in a number of locations. As the situation is rapidly evolving, our teams are monitoring the network day and night to ensure the safety of all road users.

Our immediate response is to keep access open where possible, especially to rural communities. Some of the sites are continuing to worsen each day, and sometimes by the hour, and so our teams are needing to be reactive.

There are a lot of repairs needed and they will take some time. We thank you for your patience.

With more rain forecast we encourage everyone to delay travel where possible, to take extra care when driving and check Journey Planner before travelling.

 

 

ROADS CLOSED

State Highway 35 between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne - at Motu River bridge

The road has collapsed along the centre line last night (20 July) with the eastbound lane falling into the Motu River. Rock is being brought in to stabilise the westbound lane.

State Highway 36 between Ngongotahā and Tauranga – at Mangapouri bridge

SH36 between Ngongotahā and Tauranga was closed to all vehicles from 10am today to 7pm Friday 22 July for repairs at Mangapouri bridge. The alternative routes are SH2 and State Highway 33 through Pāpāmoa and Paengaroa, or State Highway 5, State Highway 28, and State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Range.

 

 

 
 
 

SINGLE LANE

State Highway 2 between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne – at Matawai

SH2 was re-opened with one lane just before 12pm Thursday following three slips between Ōpōtiki and Matawai. The guard rail is still under construction, and is planned to be finished on Thursday. Stop/go traffic management is in place and drivers advised to take care. SH2 is the detour route for SH35. There is still running water coming down the larger slip, so there is a risk of further incidents occurring.

Due to the underslip near Matawai, on the southern approach to the Motu Bridge, over-dimension vehicles are not able to access the site due to the narrow width of the lane. All currently permitted over-dimension loads are to check with the Downer Gisborne Offices on (06) 869 1933 prior to leaving Gisborne in the North or entering the Waioeka Gorge from the South.

 
 
 

RESTRICTIONS FOR HEAVY VEHICLES

SH35 at Kopuaroa (north of Te Puia Springs)

  • Due to the risk of truck roll-overs and the narrow lane width at Kopuaroa, SH35 will be closed to heavy vehicles with trailers after 11.59pm Friday 22 July. Truck and trailer units travelling before 11.59pm Friday 22 July will need to proceed with caution through the site.
  • After 11.59pm Friday 22 July, heavy vehicles with trailers will be turned around at Ruatoria and Te Puia Springs. Heavy vehicles without trailers will be allowed through the site.
 

 

More information