A large slip has covered Herepuru Road, which remains closed at the State Highway 2 end for at least a week.
Since initial closure on Thursday, Whakatāne District Council say staff have been working closely with geotechnical engineers and specialist slip contractors to assess the site and plan next steps.
So far the slip site has been identified on a steep bluff above the road.
Due to potential for further slips from unstable sections of rock and soil on the slip surface, further work is needed before removing the slip.
Whakatāne District Council Team Leader Capital Projects David Wathall said “A specialist scaling crew is expected to be on site this afternoon to begin setting up and commence this work.”
The work includes removing overhanging and unstable sections of the slip to prevent further damage.
It is expected to take a week to complete the scaling, and then the slip will be removed.
Wathall said "This scaling work is a critical prerequisite. We cannot safely begin clearing the slip material until the face above the road has been stabilised."
Residents can access their properties via Manawahē Road but are urged to follow signage and avoid the closed area.
The road will remain closed until the slip is cleared, with further updates expected around time frames.
