Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Significant storm damage across the Coromandel Peninsula means several state highway closures and restrictions will remain in place heading into the long weekend, with some sections expected to take up to five days to clear.
Heavy rain has caused multiple slips, debris flows and pavement damage across the network. Crews have been clearing slips, removing fallen trees and assessing damage wherever it is safe to do so.
Andy Oakley, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) System Manager for Waikato, says the focus over the last few days has been assessing the damage and restoring access to roads that have been heavily impacted.
“The images of these slips speak for themselves, and some sections of state highway will remain closed through the long weekend.
“While some areas have been reopened relatively quickly, several significant slips are still moving and will take days to fully clear. Work can only continue when it is safe for crews to be onsite.
“SH2 through the Karangahake Gorge is now open with speed restrictions and our next immediate focus is on regaining safe access in and out of Whangamata via SH25 to Hikuai. This section is currently being monitored and is scheduled to open from 7pm tonight under lane and speed restrictions.”
Mr Oakley says teams are also managing dozens of smaller slips and two major unstable areas on SH25 at Kūaotunu and between Whiritoa and Whangamata.
“These two slips are large and unstable. Safety for road users and our crews is our priority, which means work will pause at times until assessments confirm the slopes have settled.
“As we head into the long weekend, we strongly encourage people to follow the advice of Civil Defence and local councils, only travel if necessary and check NZTA’s Journey Planner before they get on the roads,” says Mr Oakley.
If you must travel, slow down, drive to the conditions and allow extra time.
Current network status:
The following sections of State Highway are still CLOSED:
SH 25 Kūaotunu to Kūaotunu West/Matarangi
SH 25 Whangamatā to Whiritoa
OPEN with caution (traffic management in place)
SH25 Coromandel town to Matarangi /Kūaotunu West
SH 2 Paeroa to Waihi (Karangahake Gorge)
CLOSED but scheduled to OPEN from 7pm tonight:
SH25 Hikuai to Whangamata
While the highway is closed to through traffic, sections of SH25 between Kuaotunu and Tairua are available for emergency travel, with a single lane open and traffic management at numerous minor slips.
Up to date road information is available at www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz