Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Crews on the East Coast are continuing to assess damage caused to State Highway 35 by multiple slips, landslides and flooding.
SH35 is open between Gisborne and Tikitiki, but remains closed from Tikitiki to Pōtaka.
Floodwaters are starting to recede near Pōtaka. However, the damage between Pōtaka and Te Araroa, in particular, is considerable and is taking time to assess.
Contractors & Geotech experts anticipate being able to make further assessments of the area during the day.
At this stage, it has been estimated that up to half a million cubic metres of material will need to be removed from multiple sites throughout SH35.
In addition to the slips, Taurangakoau Bridge over Mangaowira Stream has been partially washed away and work is underway to secure contractor access across the bridge.
Our crews are working as quickly and as safely as possible to clear more access to parts of SH35.
Please continue to drive to the conditions and with extreme care. There is a lot of traffic management in place throughout the sections of SH35 that are open, so it’s imperative people adhere to traffic management and lower speeds, as crews remain on the road working where they can over the weekend.
A strong wind watch is in place tomorrow (Saturday) from midday north of Tolaga Bay.
Further south SH2 is open from Gisborne to Matawai. Waioweka Gorge remains closed.
SH2 from Gisborne to Wairoa and further south to Napier is open.