Bay of Plenty Residents Can Travel to Tairāwhiti Via State Highway 35 Once Again

Sections of the highway have been closed following severe damage caused by last month's storm.

The stretch from Pōtaka to Te Araroa is reopening this morning.

The road will be open between 7:00am and 7:00pm, and motorists can expect traffic management in place across multiple sites.

NZTA Incident Controller Richard Bayley said delays of around 45 minutes should be expected.

“People travelling through should expect a much slower journey. This stretch of road is still in a fragile state, and reduced speeds will be in place.”

“There’ll also be an 18-tonne weight limit for vehicles. Trucks will be able to drive through, but not trucks towing trailers, as the road is too narrow in many places,” he said.

He says, like the Waioweka Gorge, conditions can change quickly, “meaning the road may need to close again at short notice to keep everyone safe.”

“We’re working hard to minimise those disruptions,” Bayley adds.

Crews will continue to clear debris on the side of the road, improving drainage and opening culverts to “reduce the risk of further issues.”

Motorists are urged to drive with “extreme care” and follow all instructions from crews.

“There are a lot of work sites, including five single-lane sections with traffic lights. You’ll see a lot of activity on the side of the roads and expect delays of approximately 45 minutes.”

Outside of the opening times, the road will close, and crews will continue work.