Transit New Zealand
Napier Regional Office
Media Release
17 July 2007 5.00pm

SH50 between Marakakaho and Ongaonga still closed

Transit New Zealand advises that SH50 south of Napier between Maraekakaho and Ongaonga remains closed due to flooding, but large slips have been successfully cleared from the highway.

Rising river waters earlier today submerged Manga-o-nuku Bridges 2 and 3, causing the closure of the highway until further notice.

Transit contractors are currently undertaking checks on the bridges to ensure they are structurally safe before reopening the highway. An announcement is expected shortly on whether Transit will be able to reopen the bridge tonight.

"Contractors have also been working throughout the day to clear large slips from Clarkson's Hill and around Kereru Road, and they've done a great job," says regional operations manager Gordon Hart.

"Now reopening the highway just hinges on safety checks on the bridges."

Motorists travelling between Napier and Takapau are advised that detours via SH2 are in place at Maraekakaho and Ongaonga. Police are stationed at Maraekakaho to allow local residents who live south of Kereru Road to travel home.

Transit thanks motorists for their patience and urges extreme caution when driving as conditions remain treacherous.

Transit will continue to monitor the situation as it develops and keep the public informed.

ENDS

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