Highways across the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Hawkes Bay are beginning to re-open again under restrictions, following damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.
State Highway 2, from Ōpōtiki to Gisborne through the Waioeka Gorge, has re-opened to the public between the hours of 7am and 7pm. Various speed restrictions and traffic management are in place. Waka Kotahi say, the road will be closed overnight from 7pm to 7am, and may close at short notice due to the threat of further slips. Motorists are advised to take care along this highway and allow extra time for their journey.
Most of State Highway 35, from Ōpōtiki, is open to traffic. Hicks Bay to Te Puia Springs is now open again following an earlier closure. Waka Kotahi asks motorists to take extra care while travelling through this route as slips, fallen trees and debris will remain following the severe weather event.
Waka Kotahi have also noted a drop out on State Highway 35 at Hicks Bay, 6km west of Wharf Road, to which a 50km/h temporary speed restriction is in place. Motorists must take extra care travelling in this area.
State Highway 35 from Te Puia Springs to Tolaga Bay remains closed. The highway, from Tolaga Bay to Gisborne, is now open again following an earlier closure. Motorists are again advised to take extra care in this area due to slips, fallen trees and debris.
State Highway 2, from Wairoa to Gisborne, is now open with various speed restrictions and traffic management in place due to weather damage.
State Highway 38 from Lake Waikaremoana to Wairoa also remains closed due to damage.