Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency urges road users to expect more silt, debris and slips
With continued heavy rain today in Hawke's Bay, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is urging road users to "expect the unexpected - the possibility for more silt, debris and slips".
“As with many of these roads, there will be temporary speed limits and other controls in place, so please, if you’re travelling them, drive to the conditions,” says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s Hawke’s Bay/Gisborne Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations, Jaclyn Hankin.
“We are closely monitoring the network during this weather; and we’re aware a number of those roads may have more silt on them, or debris. The heavy rain is falling on already very sodden ground and so there’s a very real potential for further hazards.
“Please continue to avoid travel if you can – if you must travel, please drive to the conditions.”
Hankin warns this information can change rapidly. "Ensure you check the latest weather conditions with MetService, and consult the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner for the most up to date information on road closures."
State Highway update as at 2.30pm:
- SH2 between Wairoa and the Esk Valley turn off CLOSED
- SH5 between Napier and Taupō CLOSED
- SH38 between Lake Waikaremoana and Wairoa CLOSED
- SH2 south from the Esk Valley turnoff OPEN
- SH50 south from Napier OPEN
- SH51 south from Napier OPEN
- Napier-Taihape Road CLOSED
Flooding has also closed SH38 between Lake Waikaremoana and Wairoa and SH2 between Ōpōtiki and Ormond.
An earlier closure of SH35 between Gisborne and Tolaga Bay has now been lifted and that road is open, however a slip has closed a stretch of SH35 further north near the intersection with Hiruharama Road near Ruatoria.
