Along with other regions across the motu, the Waikato and Bay of Plenty area is facing a period of recovery and recuperation following Cyclone Gabrielle.
State highway links in several areas of the North Island are re-opening as floodwaters recede and slip debris is cleared, but Waka Kotahi is urging people only to travel where and when necessary, and asking those who are travelling to use caution and allow extra time for journeys with restrictions still in place in many areas.
State Highway 25 is now open around the entire perimeter of the peninsula thanks to the huge efforts of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s local contractors today.
The road into Raglan is targeted to reopen at the end of the month. That’s the latest advice from the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency team, who have been working hard to build a temporary diversion road around the major slip site that closed State Highway 23 (SH23).
The safety of Waitangi Bridge on SH51 has now been assessed and the road between Napier and Hastings will now reopen for emergency services and workers critical to the response effort.
Update: The Clive Bridge on SH51 between Napier and Hastings has been closed for a safety assessment. We will continue to provide updates as soon as possible.
Last night Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency restored access to areas of the Coromandel when State Highway 25 reopened from Thames to Matarangi around the east coast, but this is for essential travel only and extreme caution is advised.
Waka Kotahi advises that as flood waters have receded, more roads have been reopened, especially to allow freight to carry essential goods and services.