Waioweka Gorge Closed for Remainder of the Day

NZTA said following a slip causing road closures this morning, the road is unlikely to open today.

NZTA said the Waioweka Gorge is likely to remain closed for the remainder of the day.

It said following a slip overnight, the risk has been reassessed and they have decided to prioritise the safety of their crews and motorists. 

Crews are continuing to clear debris, however material is still coming down the slip face, meaning it is unlikely to open today.

Residents and emergency services will be allowed through the closure for essential access and response, particularly ahead of the incoming Cyclone Vaianu, it said.

"People are urged to delay travel where possible or allow at least 3 hours of extra time for a long detour either via State Highway 35 or State Highway 5," it said. 

It urges road users to take extra care in the region due to surface flooding in other areas around the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

The road was closed this morning, and reopened for a period of time this morning. 

NZTA said the road between Hicks Bay and Te Araroa will close pre-emptively at 6:30pm Saturday 11 April.

"Please avoid the area during the closure and any unnecessary travel. If you do need to travel, please take care driving, know your limitations on and off road and be ready for the possibility of flooding, slips and debris and other short-notice closures."

Crews are currently preparing the recovery worksites for the expected weather. 

It said the road will remain closed throughout Sunday and will only reopen if it is safe following an engineer assessment on Monday.