UPDATE 9PM: State Highway 35 between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne is now closed. SH35 at Motu River has collapsed along the centre line this evening with the eastbound lane falling into the river.
Traffic had been reduced to a single lane due to the large crack in the road since Monday 18 July.
The detour for vehicles (except over-dimension vehicles) is State Highway 2 through Waioeka Gorge, but Waka Kotahi advises caution. Traffic is reduced to a single lane due to an underslip 7km west of Matawai.
This updates the information in the traffic bulletin below.
6:21PM: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is advising drivers on the East Coast and Bay of Plenty that slips and washouts on the state highway network are restricting access for heavy vehicles.
The state highway network has been hit hard by the recent severe weather with slips, drop outs and flooding in a number of locations. Crews are actively monitoring the network to ensure the safety of all road users.
The situation at each of the emergency works sites around the East Coast and Bay of Plenty is evolving.
As of 5pm Wednesday 20 July, the following is impacting heavy vehicles:
With more rain forecast we encourage everyone to take extra care when driving, watch for hazards, adjust their speed and check our Journey Planner map before heading off so they know which routes are affected.
Journey Planner roadworks(external link)
Waka Kotahi thanks everyone for their patience and will provide further updates as works progress at each site.
SH35 is reduced to a single lane west of Motu bridge due to cracking in the pavement and the subsidence of the river bank.
Contractors are working to stabilise the bank with rock fill. With around 6000 tonnes of rock needed, it’s a huge job.
There is still movement across the site. Cracking is now around 40ml wide and running 100 metres long.